Sky News faces Twitter backlash after broadcasting Ken Clarke's candid off-air comments about Tory leadership candidates
Sky News has come under criticism over its journalistic practices after broadcasting a candid off-air conversation been former Conservative cabinet ministers Ken Clarke and Malcom Rifkind.
Clarke was heard giving his candid views on Tory leadership candidates / Sky News
One-time chancellor Clarke was vocal in his criticism of the Tory leadership candidates, describing it as a "fiasco" and claiming that if Michael Gove were to become prime minister then Britain would "go to war with at least three countries at once."
Ken Clarke and Malcolm Rifkind filmed in Sky News Westminster studio making remarks about Tory leadership candidates https://t.co/SywJXdMvH6
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 5, 2016
During their discussion, Clarke said that the idea of Boris Johnson leading the country was "ridiculous" and that Gove did "us all a favour by getting rid of Boris" earlier this week. Theresa May also came under fire from Clarke who called her a "bloody difficult woman" but pointed out that both he and Rifkind had already worked with Margaret Thatcher. He added that May, who has been home secretary since 2010, "doesn't know much about foreign affairs."
Sky presenter Kay Burley had teased the footage ahead of it airing on Sky News, tweeting "OMG you are definitely going to want to watch our programme on @skynews at 2pm Safe to say, you're never alone with a microphone..." but viewers of the video have been quick to slam the broadcaster for releasing the off-air on-mic moment. Several Twitter users have pointed out that Clarke does not appear to realise he's being filmed:
@SkyNews nice to see sky adhering to private/public broadcasting laws , #shitoneveryone — AJP (@drewwhufc) July 5, 2016
@SkyNews are you legally or morally right to release this? It seems really underhand. — Cheri Cheri (@CheriCheri40) July 5, 2016
@SkyNews This is a really dirty tactic. I feel you'd be facing a much more serious backlash if this wasn't Ken Clarke. Nasty stuff Sky. — John Johnston (@JohnJohnston91) July 5, 2016
@SkyNews @KathyBurke Doesn't matter which side of politics you're on, @skynews will invade your privacy.
— Annie Wallace (@anniewallace) July 5, 2016
@SkyNews @JayneSeckerSky A disgrace to journalism, Sky is in the gutter with this — Barry Chambers (@Barry33657993) July 5, 2016