Broadcasting body rejects claim RTÉ was unfair to AHAR

THE Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has rejected claims that The Claire Byrne Show investigation into Castleisland-based Animal Haven Animal Rescue (AHAR) was unfair in its programme which was screened last January.

AHAR Manager Suzanne Gibbons made a number of complaints about the RTÉ programme, among which was the use of excerpts of recordings made of private telephone conversations. She claimed that these conversations were recorded without her knowledge or permission and, as such, were a breach of the Data Protection Acts.

Another complainant claimed that the RTÉ programme lacked ‘fairness, objectivity and impartiality’ in respect to its coverage of the AHAR charity and its founder. This complaint asserts that the programme was poorly researched and did not include any representatives or volunteers of AHAR or other individuals, such as vets, who might have provided a counterbalance to the criticisms in the programme. The complainant also claimed that Ms Gibbons did not take part in the programme because of online intimidation.

The Broadcasting Authority’s adjudication committee noted in its report that the programme was an investigation into the governance, management and financial management practices of AHAR and, having reviewed the programme in the context of submissions provided, the committee was satisfied that the treatment of the issues highlighted was fair, objective and impartial.

It also noted that the subject of a programme is not obliged to participate in the programme and is entitled to refuse to participate in the broadcast via onscreen interviews.

A refusal of such does not absolve the broadcaster from their responsibility to reflect, as far as is practicable, the views of the absent party and to do so fairly.

In summary, the adjudication committee said it is satisfied with the broadcaster’s approach.

AHAR Manager Suzanne Gibbons