On January 13, 2014, the Media Council reviewed a complaint submitted by the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB). The complaint concerned four articles published in the Sports section of The Royal Gazette (RG) on September 23, 24, 25, 2013, an opinion piece that ran on October 4, and two further sports stories that ran on October 29 and 30, 2013.
All revolved around the BCB’s selection of the national cricket team for the ICC World Cup Twenty/20 Qualifiers in Dubai, UAE, slated for November 2013. The BCB alleges The Royal Gazette breached clauses 3A & B of the Code of Practice, which concern accuracy, and 4A, which concerns opportunity to reply, in the Sept 23, 24, 25 and Oct 4 pieces, and 3A and B again in the Oct 29 and 30 pieces.
Conclusion and Remedy
The Council finds that the Gazette’s reporting was in part misleading and inaccurate — specifically in its references to communication with and responses by the BCB — and is therefore in breach of clause 3 of the Code.
However, in the view of Council the BCB could have been more responsive and less circumspect in its responses. In the circumstances the Council does not consider that any remedy is warranted and will not insist on publication of this ruling by the Gazette.
The Council does, however, believe that the Bermuda community would be better served if these two organizations were able to find a way to overcome their animosity and improve their professional working relationship.
Click Here to see the Full Media Council Ruling
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