Broadcast ruling is a reminder to the media

YOUR report headlined ‘Ahern fair game, but not Travellers, according to BCC’ (July 3) seems to suggest that a fine line was walked by producers of RTÉ’s Once A Week Show when determining whether or not “tinker” and “knick-knack” are reasonable terms to be broadcast on TV programmes aimed at children.

Neither Patrick Kielty nor Dustin the Turkey is a journalist and the offence they caused to young Travellers was unambiguous.

This was recognised by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission (BCC). Editors had an opportunity to excise the small section of the show most offensive to Travellers since it was not broadcast live.

We hope the ruling will help broadcasters avoid unintentional offence in future and remind editors of their duty of care.

Above all, I wish to emphasise how presenter Sinéad Ni Churnáin’s work generally has engaged with Traveller children in a very positive way.

Ben Archibald

Information Co-ordinator

Pavee Point Travellers’ Centre

46 North Great Charles Street

Dublin 1