The BBC received over 4500 complaints after Scotland editor Sarah Smith said the First Minister “enjoyed” setting different lockdown rules to Westminsters.
The live report broadcast on the News at Ten, is the most complained about item across the corporation’s TV and radio platforms this year according to our pro-independence sister paper The National.
A total of 4541 complaints were lodged from viewers who said the comments were unduly biased against the First Minister.
READ MORE: Opinion: Mark Smith: In defence of Sarah Smith … and a plea to the First Minister
During the news report on May 18, Smith said it “has been obvious that Nicola Sturgeon has enjoyed the opportunity to set her own lockdown rules” rather than follow Boris Johnson’s lead.
The First Minister earlier rejected the claims, tweeting: “Never in my entire political career have I ‘enjoyed’ anything less than this. My heart breaks every day for all those who have lost loved ones to this virus.”
Never in my entire political career have I ‘enjoyed’ anything less than this. My heart breaks every day for all those who have lost loved ones to this virus. https://t.co/hhGvCOOw05
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 19, 2020
But Smith has since said her use of the word was a “mistake” and she had intended to say “embraced”.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon dismisses lockdown claim as viewers fume over BBC news coronavirus report
She added: “For the avoidance of any doubt. I am sorry that by mistake I said on the news last night that @NicolaSturgeon was ‘enjoying the opportunity’ to set lockdown policy in Scotland. That was not what I meant to say and I apologise to her for my error.”
Speaking earlier on the BBC Six O’Clock News about Scotland’s “route map” out of lockdown, Smith used the word “embraced” rather than “enjoyed”.
Responding to the reporter’s apology, Nicola Sturgeon tweed: “I’ve made clear my view on this report. I’m not ‘enjoying’ or ‘embracing’ an ‘opportunity’. I’m just doing what I judge best in very difficult circumstances.
“That said, I understand the scrutiny that comes with it and accept Sarah’s clarification. For me, the matter is closed.”
I’ve made clear my view on this report. I’m not ‘enjoying’ or ‘embracing’ an ‘opportunity’. I’m just doing what I judge best in very difficult circumstances. That said, I understand the scrutiny that comes with it and accept Sarah’s clarification. For me, the matter is closed. https://t.co/AhJEd2Lcn3
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 19, 2020
Following the incident, the BBC commented: “Following complaints received on remarks by Sarah Smith, Sarah has since clarified her remarks, acknowledged where there were errors and has apologised to the First Minister, who has accepted those clarifications and has indicated that she regards the matter as now closed.”
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