Panorama found 'in breach of BBC rules' - episode looked at the long-term use of drugs in children with ADHD

Panorama found 'in breach of BBC rules'


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8534718.stm

The episode looked at the long-term use of drugs in children with ADHD

BBC current affairs programme Panorama will broadcast an apology after the corporation's independent watchdog said it breached editorial guidelines.

The BBC Trust Editorial Standards Committee said it did not accurately report a study into Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).


What Next for Craig? looked at the use of drugs used to control the condition when it aired in November 2007.

The Trust said the show did not intend to mislead, but "distorted" some facts.

An apology will be broadcast during a future edition of Panorama, and the BBC's deputy director general Mark Byford will meet the committee to ensure the breaches are not repeated.

Failings

The committee partially upheld an appeal over a complaint.

It was ruled that Panorama did not accurately report the findings of a follow-up scientific study comparing the treatment of children with ADHD.

The programme makers have been accused of relying on the views of one scientist and viewers were not told that there is a wide range of views on the subject.

The episode also looked into the long-term use of stimulant drugs such as Ritalin.

But it was ruled that show failed to accurately report the findings of a three-year study which was conducted in the US.

Although the committee said that programme makers did not intend to mislead the audience, it did point out that "the programme failed to meet the requirements of impartiality in that the programme makers were not fair and open minded when examining the evidence and weighing all the material facts, nor were they even handed in their approach to the subject".

The report concluded: "The Editorial Standards Committee (ESC) expects the highest standards from Panorama as BBC One's flagship current affairs programme, and this programme failed to reach those standards.

"Due to the serious nature of the breaches the ESC will apologise to the complainant on behalf of the BBC and require the broadcast of a correction."