BACKGROUND BRIEFING ON SNP LEADERS’ DEBATE ACTION

BACKGROUND BRIEFING ON SNP LEADERS’ DEBATE ACTION

The SNP today announced it has launched a fighting fund, with a target of
£50,000 to support the party in its efforts to ensure Scotland’s voice is
heard in the final televised leaders’ debate on the BBC on 29th April.

The SNP has sought – since debates were first rumored in October 2009,
constructive discussions with the BBC in order to resolve issues around
the broadcasting of a debate featuring only three party leaders, and
excluding the party of Government in Scotland. The BBC is required to
ensure viewers receive a fair, impartial and balanced view.

Under the BBC Charter it is the most obliged of the three broadcasters
involved. Despite this the BBC has been the least obliging. For example
Sky instigated discussions in October 2009.

Timeline

September 2009: BBC hold secret talks with the political parties in the
run up to their annual conferences [Financial Times 9Apr10].

October 2nd 2009: Broadcasters announce they are putting together
proposals for parties for leaders’ debates.

October 5th 2009: SNP approach BBC to establish position of SNP in
relation to a leader’s debate – emphasizing SNP willingness to be
flexible.

December 21st 2009 – Broadcasters announce that there will be debates. The
BBC fails to contact the SNP prior to the announcement, a move criticised
this week by the BBC Trust.

December 22nd 2009: BBC eventually contacts the SNP who emphasize
flexibility and enthusiasm for the principle of debate. The SNP request
that the BBC outlines in writing how it intends to ensure fair and
impartial coverage for viewers in Scotland.

14th January 2010: BBC responds and for the first time in correspondence
with the SNP refers to the “Prime Ministerial” Debates. BBC
Correspondents Michael Crick and Nick Robinson both say this is to keep
the SNP out. No details of BBC proposals to ensure balance, fairness and
impartiality in Scotland come forward.

An SNP Freedom of Information request for documents relating to setting up
the debates, specifically discussions with parties is rejected.

4th February 2010: The SNP seeks the assistance of the BBC Trust to
resolve issues around the debates with the BBC Executive, coverage of
Scottish issues in the election and the BBC’s requirement to provide fair,
balanced and impartial view of all options before the Scottish electorate.

23rd February 2010: BBC Trust states it cannot act until discussions with
the BBC Executive have been exhausted.

2nd March 2010: The SNP is contacted by BBC news desks for reaction to
debate agreement. The SNP is forced to obtain details from journalists.
Despite extensive negotiations with the three London parties and the
creation of a 76-point programme format agreement, the BBC is still unable
to provide proposals on how it intends to ensure fair and impartial
coverage for viewers in Scotland.

10th March 2010: SNP write to BBC Director-General Mark Thompson setting
out concerns over coverage in Scotland and in Wales, the impact on
elections and concerns over impartiality as a result of the broadcasts
featuring only 3 parties standing in Scotland.

12th March 2010: SNP meet with the BBC for the first time. Proposal for a
fourth debate featuring the three leaders from the UK debate and the SNP
and Plaid Cymru is put forward.

29th March 2010: BBC reject fourth debate proposal and state that the BBC
Executive has finalized its position.

5th April 2010: SNP write to the BBC Trust seeking an urgent oral hearing
of an appeal against the Executive’s decision. The SNP makes clear we are
available for such a hearing at the earliest opportunity.

7th – 12th April 2010: Exchange of letters and information between SNP,
BBC Trust and BBC Executive outlining formal grounds of appeal.

12th April 2010: SNP makes final submission to the BBC Trust.

21st April 2010: BBC trust considers the appeal and reject it, despite
suggesting 27 April as the date for an oral hearing.

25th April 2010: SNP launch £50,000 fighting fund to raise money for a
court action to force a review of the BBC’s decision and to ensure SNP
presence in the debate or a fourth debate.

To be continued…