19/08/2011
Police Criticised Over Riot Tape Requests
The broadcast union, BECTU is throwing its weight behind an appeal to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to adopt a more 'responsible approach' to applications for access to media footage.
The appeal comes in a letter from Michael Wilson, Managing Director of UTV Television on behalf UTV, BBC Northern Ireland, the Belfast Telegraph, the Irish News, the News Letter, the Press Association and Sky News.
The letter expresses profound concern at the "increased use of indiscriminate applications for production orders against media organisations under the Police and Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1989".
The media organisations represented, supported by BECTU and the journalists' union, the NUJ, believe that the police's current practice is endangering the safety of staff involved in newsgathering because it could encourage 'terrorists and rioters' to see media workers as 'evidence gatherers for the State'.
Michael Wilson writes: "It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our staff. We owe them a duty of care, especially when they are covering civil disturbances, and we must always bear that in mind when determining whether to deploy staff to cover a particular event.
"It is also incumbent upon the PSNI to ensure that its actions do nothing to increase the risk placed on our staff.
"The broadcasters challenge the PSNI to do nothing which would infringe the rights of newsgathers to report the news.
"In addition the PSNI is encouraged, where it believes an application for a production order is necessary, to limit this 'to what is necessary and proportionate in the circumstances' and should not be a wide-ranging request seeking many hours of footage from a number of media organisations, which is akin to a fishing expedition."
Gerry Morrissey, BECTU General Secretary, said: "BECTU represents staff and freelances working for all of the major broadcasters in Northern Ireland and we are pleased to support this appeal for a more considered approach to applications to view media footage.
"Television crews provide a vital service to the public; it is essential that we all work together to maximise their safety," he said.
(BMcN/BMcC)
The appeal comes in a letter from Michael Wilson, Managing Director of UTV Television on behalf UTV, BBC Northern Ireland, the Belfast Telegraph, the Irish News, the News Letter, the Press Association and Sky News.
The letter expresses profound concern at the "increased use of indiscriminate applications for production orders against media organisations under the Police and Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1989".
The media organisations represented, supported by BECTU and the journalists' union, the NUJ, believe that the police's current practice is endangering the safety of staff involved in newsgathering because it could encourage 'terrorists and rioters' to see media workers as 'evidence gatherers for the State'.
Michael Wilson writes: "It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our staff. We owe them a duty of care, especially when they are covering civil disturbances, and we must always bear that in mind when determining whether to deploy staff to cover a particular event.
"It is also incumbent upon the PSNI to ensure that its actions do nothing to increase the risk placed on our staff.
"The broadcasters challenge the PSNI to do nothing which would infringe the rights of newsgathers to report the news.
"In addition the PSNI is encouraged, where it believes an application for a production order is necessary, to limit this 'to what is necessary and proportionate in the circumstances' and should not be a wide-ranging request seeking many hours of footage from a number of media organisations, which is akin to a fishing expedition."
Gerry Morrissey, BECTU General Secretary, said: "BECTU represents staff and freelances working for all of the major broadcasters in Northern Ireland and we are pleased to support this appeal for a more considered approach to applications to view media footage.
"Television crews provide a vital service to the public; it is essential that we all work together to maximise their safety," he said.
(BMcN/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 March 2012
UTV Media Announces Acquisition Of PR Firm
A successful media company in the UK and Ireland incorporating Radio, Television, New Media and Publishing has revealed that they have bought a social media agency with the hope of further expanding their multi-media business.
UTV Media Announces Acquisition Of PR Firm
A successful media company in the UK and Ireland incorporating Radio, Television, New Media and Publishing has revealed that they have bought a social media agency with the hope of further expanding their multi-media business.
10 July 2018
Two People Arrested Over Social Media Posts In Randalstown
Two people have been arrested in connection with social media posts in Randalstown, Co Antrim. The posts are believed to have been made as a band parade was taking place in the town. A 35-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman have been detained in police custody on suspicion of a number of offences.
Two People Arrested Over Social Media Posts In Randalstown
Two people have been arrested in connection with social media posts in Randalstown, Co Antrim. The posts are believed to have been made as a band parade was taking place in the town. A 35-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman have been detained in police custody on suspicion of a number of offences.
12 May 2025
21-Year-Old Jailed Over 'Extensive' Child Abuse And Blackmail
A 21-year-old Lurgan man, Max Hollingsbee, has been sentenced to five years and two months in prison for a campaign of online child sexual abuse and blackmail involving 42 charges. The sentence was handed down at Craigavon Crown Court. Hollingsbee will serve half of his sentence in custody and half on licence.
21-Year-Old Jailed Over 'Extensive' Child Abuse And Blackmail
A 21-year-old Lurgan man, Max Hollingsbee, has been sentenced to five years and two months in prison for a campaign of online child sexual abuse and blackmail involving 42 charges. The sentence was handed down at Craigavon Crown Court. Hollingsbee will serve half of his sentence in custody and half on licence.
08 May 2025
Economy Minister Welcomes Success Of Invest NI Trade Mission
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has lauded recent trade successes by Northern Ireland companies in the United States, highlighting the region's continued export growth.
Economy Minister Welcomes Success Of Invest NI Trade Mission
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has lauded recent trade successes by Northern Ireland companies in the United States, highlighting the region's continued export growth.
23 September 2024
Babatunde Aléshé To Explore NI For New C4 Mini-Series
Comedian, writer, actor and podcaster, Babatunde Aléshé, is to explore the island of Ireland as part of a new Channel 4 mini-series, 'Where To Next?'. The broadcaster has partnered with Tourism Ireland for the new digital-first mini-series, which will see Babatunde explore Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland for the first time.
Babatunde Aléshé To Explore NI For New C4 Mini-Series
Comedian, writer, actor and podcaster, Babatunde Aléshé, is to explore the island of Ireland as part of a new Channel 4 mini-series, 'Where To Next?'. The broadcaster has partnered with Tourism Ireland for the new digital-first mini-series, which will see Babatunde explore Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland for the first time.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.