Watchdog to look into Salmond’s RT show over accuracy
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has launched an investigation into Alex Salmond’s RT show over claims it breached “accuracy” rules.
The inquiry centres on the former first minister’s debut show, which was broadcast on 16 November.
It was overshadowed by a row over the origin of a series of tweets which were read out by Mr Salmond at the start of the broadcast.
One message on the Alex Salmond Show appeared to be from an account that did not exist and another appeared to be from a user who had never tweeted.
A spokeswoman for the regulator confirmed that a formal investigation has now been launched into the show.
“We are investigating whether this programme breached our rules on due accuracy,” she said.
Slàinte Media, which produces the show, said it would fully co-operate with the investigation.
“This is an investigation by Ofcom into a single complaint in relation to tweets and messages used on the first edition of the Alex Salmond Show,” a spokesperson said.
“As we said when the com- plaint was first made public on 17 November, we will be happy to co-operate with the Ofcom investigation and are confident of a satisfactory outcome.
“It is worth noting that the same Ofcom bulletin, which includes this investigation, also lists nine other investigations into other broadcasting organisations in a two-week period, including into BBC and ITV programmes.
“In addition, there are 18 other specific complaints to Ofcom listed concerning the BBC which have yet to complete the BBC’S internal complaints process.”
If found to be in breach, the regulator could order the former first minister to read out an on-air apology or correction and issue a fine.
Mr Salmond’s decision to present a show on RT, which was formerly known as Russia Today, has been hugely controversial.
Critics have claimed he is lending credibility to a channel which is effectively a Kremlin-backed propaganda machine. Prime Minister Theresa May has accused Russia of interfering in elections and fake news.
Mr Salmond’s producers insisted at the time of the row that the tweets related to “real questions from real people”.
RT has been forced to register as a foreign agent in the US. Political opponents in Scotland were quick to seize on the Ofcom accuracy investigation.
A Scottish Conservative spokesman said: “Not only is Alex Salmond struggling to find guests for his new show, he’s struggling to find people who will engage with it.
“It was obvious that the tweets that were read out were manufactured, and it’s no surprise that Ofcom are investigating it.
“The problems are already mounting for the former first minister, and it’s about time he gave up on this disastrous venture.”
A Labour source said: “If Ofcom need any evidence of past behaviour regarding Alex Salmond and inaccuracy, they could refer to the 2014 White Paper or his promise to scrap council tax back in 2007.”
0 The Alex Salmond Show on RT has proved controversial for the former first minister