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BBC Scottishnational Atholl Duncan

BBC refutes SNP’s accusations

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By The Drum Team, Editorial

April 28, 2010 | 2 min read

Atholl Duncan, head of news and current affairs at BBC Scotland, has refuted the Scottish National Party’s claims that the broadcaster’s election coverage lacked impartiality.

Speaking to The Drum following the SNP’s failed bid to have tomorrow’s leaders’ debate banned in Scotland, Mr Duncan said the BBC is “satisfied with the outcome which will allow the Prime Ministerial Debate to be seen by viewers across Scotland”.

“We take our responsibilities on impartiality extremely seriously at all times and never more than during an election campaign. We are also satisfied that the court recognised that our election plans for covering the SNP are of 'substance' and 'cannot be said to be lacking in impartiality'.”

The SNP had asked the Court of Session to rule that the corporation had breached its rules on impartiality by excluding the party from Thursday’s prime ministerial debate.

The bid was dismissed by Lady Smith after a two-day hearing.

BBC Scottishnational Atholl Duncan

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