The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Sturgeon withdraws from news conference over Bannon invite
The first minister has pulled out of a conference after learning that former White House strategist Steve Bannon will speak at the event.
Nicola Sturgeon had been scheduled to attend News Xchange 2018 in Edinburgh next month, but said she “would not be part of any process that risks legitimising or normalising far right, racist views”.
Mr Bannon, who worked on Donald Trump’s successful presidential election bid, has championed right-wing political causes since leaving the White House.
Ms Sturgeon tweeted: “I believe passionately in free speech but as Scotland’s First Minister I have to make balanced judgments – and I will not be part of any process that risks legitimising or normalising far-right, racist views.”
News Xchange is a gathering of journalists and media operators from around the world. Mr Bannon is scheduled to be interviewed by the BBC’s Sarah Smith.
BBC News and BBC Scotland are listed as host partners of the event at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on November 14 and 15, and Ms Sturgeon said: “I regret that the BBC has put me and others in this position.”
It is understood the first minister was due to speak at the opening reception at the National Museum of Scotland on November 13.
A BBC spokeswoman said: “Steve Bannon was invited on behalf of the EBU’s News Xchange committee.
“Good journalism in a world of fake news and disinformation is more vital than ever. Journalism is about asking tough questions and understanding what is happening in the world and why.
“A conference designed to analyse the big issues impacting that world isn’t an endorsement of anyone or anything – it is a function of what journalism is.”