Complainant Name:
Mr William Hesselmann
Clauses Noted: 1
Publication: Daily Mail
Complaint:
Mr William Hesselmann complained to the Press Complaints Commission that the newspaper had published inaccurate information in breach of Clause 1 (Accuracy) of the Editors' Code of Practice. The complainant said that the newspaper had misled readers by suggesting that the BBC accommodated the 65 person crew of Lambing Live in hotel rooms costing £279 per night. The real figure, which was only published at the end of the piece, was £58 per night.
Resolution:
The newspaper said that the article had included the BBC's response, which had not mentioned the actual price of the rooms. It had been informed by the BBC only after the publication of the actual price; it had published the BBC's letter addressing this point. It has amended the online article and published the following footnote:
The BBC asks us to point out that in fact the BBC paid £58 per night, not the £279 quoted. This rate amounted to a discount of around 50% off the standard rate, substantially less than other hotels in the area and within the BBC expenses policy. Having the team stay in one location simplified travel arrangements to and from the farm. They also say that a crew of 65 is typical for a production of this kind. The article was updated after the BBC provided further comment on the price of rooms following publication.
Date Published: 30/05/2014
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