UK’s Ofcom to probe Channel 4 documentary

Tuesday, 5 July 2011 00:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The UK Government’s Office of Communications (Ofcom) is to investigate the veracity of Channel 4’s recent documentary ‘Sri Lanka’s killing Fields’ following complaints that it was misleading and misrepresentative.

British-based TV website TV Pixie, in a report filed by Alex Guest, disclosed that Ofcom would probe the programme, presented by Jon Snow and produced by Callum Macrae.

Ofcom is the UK’s Independent regulator and competition authority for the communications industries. “Ofcom will assess the complaints against the programme under their Broadcasting Code to see if it needs further investigation and action. Ofcom is empowered to fine the broadcaster(s) if it determines that the Code has been violated.

Ofcom has received over 100 complaints since the film was aired on Channel 4 on 14 June. Alex Guest commented that it is within the realm of possibilities that the additional material (presented by Channel 4) was partially or even entirely fabricated. “If Channel 4 has fabricated material or attempted to mislead the public through editing, Ofcom will see fit to censure the broadcaster.

Sri Lankan diplomats and leading forensic video experts had contested Channel 4’s claims of accuracy.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities on Friday revealed that they were in possession of an original video which had been altered by Channel 4.

(www.info.gov.lk)