Nov 07 - GBC Denies It “Hung Its Staff Out To Dry” Following Viewpoint Decision
The following is a press release issued by the GBC Board in relation to the withdrawal of invitations to the Government and Opposition to take part in the Viewpoint programme on Thursday 30th October.
“GBC restates the circumstances that led to the last minute withdrawal of invitations to the Government and the Opposition to attend last Thursday's Viewpoint programme.
“The Board has met to discuss the matter. GBC took the decision because it was unable at the time to secure from the GRA clear advice on whether the likely composition of the panel would be in breach of the Code on Due Impartiality, Due Accuracy and Undue Prominence. GBC points out that failure to comply with the Code could potentially result in a substantial fine.
“The Corporation is nonetheless pleased that the Board and the GRA are now discussing a way forward, with a view to obtaining clarity on the interpretation of the Code. However, placed in such an invidious position last Thursday, GBC had no choice but to withdraw the invitations in order to ensure it did not fall foul of the GRA's Code. The Corporation therefore rejects any suggestion that "it hung its staff out to dry" or that it took this decision "to assist the GSD" or because it "did not like the GRA's ruling". We must stress that GBC takes its obligations on impartiality extremely seriously.”
