CURA upholds complaint against Manx Radio

Centres around statement made on Mannin Line in June 2022

The Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority has upheld a complaint about Manx Radio determining that the radio station has breached its regulatory obligations.

It follows a complaint that a statement - broadcast on the Mannin Line on 29 June last year - was factually incorrect and a correction and/or apology was not issued.

The complaint was made by an individual acting in a personal capacity and was not made, endorsed or supported by any minister or government department.

The complainant alleged that a claim about Freedom of Information requests, during a live interview with the Cabinet Office Minister, was inaccurate and lacked impartiality.

CURA investigated to determine if there had been a breach under Section 2 of the Broadcasting Code which provides for privacy, fairness and gathering of information.

It has now released the summary of its decision which you can read in full HERE.

The authority says its role is to ensure the principles of the code are upheld by the licensee and not to adjudicate on complaints from members of the public against an individual presenter.

It ruled that Manx Radio was in breach of its obligations – specifically in relation to the requirement to ensure accurate news broadcasts and the requirement to give information to an interviewee in advance of broadcast.

Although the statement was not broadcast in a news bulletin or news programme CURA said it was a serious allegation of wrongdoing that, if true, would likely be in the public interest.

The investigation has now been closed and the authority says it is minded to direct Manx Radio to have processes, controls and monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with the Broadcasting Code and produce an annual statement of compliance.

Manx Radio’s managing director Chris Sully said: "We have worked with CURA throughout this enquiry. We would like to thank the authority for its work and we will act on the recommendations made."