Complaint
A listener complained a news bulletin reporting government plans to create a new Class Unit was inaccurate and gave an impression of bias. The listener argued the bulletin gave the misleading impression that gender is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 and reference to gender in this context suggested support for a particular viewpoint. The ECU considered the complaint under the 91福利社's editorial standards on accuracy and impartiality.
Outcome
The ECU found the bulletin was not describing the protected characteristics contained in the Equality Act 2010. It summarised a Government proposal intended to give greater consideration to social class alongside other equality-related matters. The ECU considered it was clear the report was describing a new policy initiative. It did not say social class would become a protected characteristic under the Equality Act and it did not say gender was one of the protected characteristics contained in the Act. Accordingly, the ECU did not consider listeners were likely to have been materially misled and it did not consider the wording demonstrated bias.
Not Upheld