BBC receives more than 900 complaints over ‘biased’ Salmond trial documentary
The BBC received more than 900 complaints that a do c - u men tary about Alex Salmon d’ s trial was biased against him.
The programme, aired last month, was presented by Kirsty Wark and covered the events leading up to and following the former first minister’s trial for sexual assault and attempted rape.
The EX-SNP leader was found not guilty of 11 sexual assault charges, and one of attempted rape, by a jury in March. One charge was not proven.
Some of the women involved in the trial appeared in the documentary anonymously, discussing how the verdicts against Mr Salmond had a negative effect on them, with one woman saying it was like being punched in the stomach.
A source close to Mr Salmond described the documentary as “diabolical” and said he was considering taking legal action over it.
It has emerged that the documentary, called The Trial of Alex Salmond, prompted 939 complaints to the BBC from people who felt it was “biased against Alex Salmond”.
The broadcast er revealed the programme was the second most complained about item on its television and radio channels last month.
However, the corporation has defended the decision to air it.
In a statement, it said: “We received complaints from people who felt the programme was biased against Alex Salmond.
“Alex S almond has been a senior political figure for many years and his trial and subsequent acquittal was a major news story, which received extensive coverage at the time.
“The outcome was fairly reflected in the programme and within that context, the film aimed to examine what impact the trial had had in terms of the ‘me to o’ move - ment and Scottish politics.
“A range of different views were heard, including authoritative contributors who made points in support of Alex Salmond, such as Jim Sillars and Kenny Macaskill.
“Mr Salmond was invited to take par t but declined to do so.”