Scottish Greens: BBC has duty on public health messages
The BBC has a duty to ensure public health messages and information reaches as many people as possible, the Scottish Greens have said.
The public service broadcaster has decided to stop airing the First Minister’s daily briefing on Coronavirus, just as cases are rising across the country and public health advice is becoming more varied.
Commenting, Scottish Greens health spokesperson Alison Johnstone said: “Given we are at a point when the virus is spreading again, and public health guidance is varied across the country, the timing of this decision by the BBC is very odd indeed.
“This is not about party politics. The BBC’s charter means it has a duty to provide the public with vital information, and the fact is not everyone has access to the internet. If we are to prevent the spread of this deadly virus then the public health advice for different parts of Scotland needs to reach as many people as possible.
“The BBC must explain the rationale behind this and explain what they intend to broadcast instead that will reach those who can’t watch the briefings online.”