NUJ defends BBC Stephen Nolan Show from ‘organised’ campaign of intimidation and threats

The union intervened after personal attacks on social media - or “trolling” - against individual journalists on the show, and an online petition urging the BBC to cancel the programme.

 David Thompson, a producer on the show, welcomed the NUJ intervention, hitting out at what he said was “organised” attempts to smear Stephen Nolan and “all” the journalists on the team.

In recent years Mr Nolan has repeatedly discussed claims of political parties across the spectrum orchestrating boycotts of the programme - reportedly because they objected to what they perceived as political bias.

But now journalists on the show feel that “organised” criticism of its output has crossed a line, and that they are all being personally singled out for unjustified personal attacks on social media.

 Robin Wilson, chair of the Belfast and District branch of the NUJ, said the “trolling” and an online petition to have the programme cancelled is “yet another toxic campaign against working journalists in Northern Ireland”.

He added: “The Stephen Nolan show is provocative, and controversial. The programme team, including Stephen Nolan, work hard to reflect the complexities of daily life in Northern Ireland.

“In doing so the programme often features many guests whose views make for uncomfortable listening. That’s the function of public-service broadcasting. Those who seek to silence this programme are missing the point—removing the programme won’t get rid of extreme opinions.

“Likewise the social and economic issues highlighted by Nolan won’t cease to exist simply because they are no longer discussed with vigour and passion.

“This is yet another toxic campaign against journalists in Northern Ireland. Censorship, intimidation and threats have no place in society.

“There are avenues open to those who wish to complain against any programme, including Ofcom and the BBC itself. in a modern democracy that approach, rather that threats and abuse, is the appropriate response by any offended listener. “We welcome the strong stand taken by the BBC and extend solidarity to the programme team.”

The online petition urging the BBC to cancel the show slams it on the purported basis that it “seeks to stir sectarian tensions for ratings”.

The petition also alleges that the show is “irresponsible in providing a regular platform for illegal proscribed paramilitary organisation representatives and apologists to air their extreme views which are not representative of public opinion.”

In particular it cites a broadcast on February 3 which “provided a platform for an unelected representative of illegal proscribed paramilitary organisations to threaten violence relating to the NI Protocol”.

It is understood the date refers to comments from the chair of Loyalist Communities Council (LCC), David Campbell, about the Northern Ireland Protocol. He told the show: “If it comes to the bit where we have to fight physically to maintain our freedoms within the UK, so be it.” The LCC is supported by the UDA, UVF and Red Hand Commando.

The petition adds: “This is highly irresponsible and risks inflaming tensions which could lead to violence. However this is not a unique example and the show regularly platforms unelected representatives and apologists for paramilitary organisations.”

The petition does not specify whether it is objecting only to contributors deemed to be supportive of loyalist organisations or whether its author also has concerns about contributors who would seek to justify republican paramilitarism also. The petition has so far received 12,000 signatures.

A BBC spokeswoman said: “Attempts to smear and censor BBC journalism are wrong. None of this is compatible with press freedom. The BBC’s airwaves remain a place of open enquiry and debate - for everyone.”

A Sinn Féin spokesperson said: “There is no place in our society for social media abuse or harassment.”

Meanwhile, the Assembly All-Party Group on Press Freedom and Media Sustainability has invited industry stakeholders to submit evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and their views on the long-term sustainability of media organisations.

The new cross party group was formed in January with the intention of tackling concerns about recent increases in threats and harassment targeted at journalists in Northern Ireland, as well the as broader questions about the long term sustainability of local media, which has been impacted by the effects of Covid on top of longstanding challenges created by the migration of advertising revenue to tech giants.

APG Chair Matthew O’Toole said “A viable, sustainable local media is crucial to supporting communities, local economies and local democracy.”

Vice-Chair, Mike Nesbitt MLA, added that this is “especially true of Northern Ireland, where our Assembly lacks an official opposition”.

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