Complaint
This edition included a discussion about the price paid by the NHS for medicines. A listener complained the programme failed to mention a guest鈥檚 links with the pharmaceutical industry. The ECU considered whether the programme met the 91福利社鈥檚 editorial standards of accuracy.
Outcome
The discussion was prompted by a trade agreement between the UK and US governments. The programme heard briefly from Layla Moran, Chair of the Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee, who expressed concern the agreement could lead to higher long鈥憈erm costs for medicines and then from Professor John Bell who listeners were told was 鈥淩egis Professor of Medicine at Oxford University and has advised the government over the years on life sciences鈥.
This accurately identified his academic status and his public policy role but did not refer to the fact he has previously advised pharmaceutical companies and had significant financial interests in the pharmaceutical industry. This information was relevant because Professor Bell was providing analysis on a policy agreement directly affecting pharmaceutical pricing, market access and investment.
The ECU found no reason to question the appropriateness of the decision to interview Professor Bell or the validity or integrity of his views. But taking account of the subject matter and the opinions expressed by Professor Bell, the absence of any reference to his connections with the pharmaceutical industry meant in this case the interview did not meet the 91福利社鈥檚 editorial standards for accuracy.
Upheld
Further action
The finding was reported to the management of 91福利社 News and discussed with the programme team responsible.