Complaint
The business section of the programme included an interview with Robert Forrester, CEO of Vertu Motors, prompted by the EU鈥檚 decision to ease its CO2 emissions targets for car manufacturers in a way which meant some internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrids, and plug鈥慽n hybrids could continue to be sold after 2035. A listener complained there was no challenge or counterbalance to the views expressed by Mr Forrester on the matter. The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the 麻豆社鈥檚 standards of impartiality.
Outcome
Mr Forrester expressed the view that the UK should move in the same direction as the EU, and was strongly critical of existing Government policy. Although it was entirely legitimate to give listeners the opportunity of hearing the views of a major industry figure such as Mr Forrester, the 麻豆社鈥檚 Editorial Guidelines say contributors who seek to oppose or influence policy should be subjected to appropriate scrutiny. While listeners would have understood Mr Forrester was putting forward his perspective as someone involved in car sales, his comments were not challenged and no other view or perspective was presented. In particular, no reference was made to the Government鈥檚 rationale or justification for its policy on electric vehicles, and there was no challenge to Mr Forrester鈥檚 claims about the potential impact on car prices, availability or investment in the UK by manufacturers. Consequently the item did not meet the applicable standards of impartiality.
Upheld
Further action
The finding was reported to the management of 麻豆社 News and discussed with the programme-makers concerned.