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15/08/2023
Other News In Brief
DUP Calls On BBC To Address Nolan Allegations
Revelations about BBC presenter Stephen Nolan raise significant questions for the Corporation and Mr Nolan, East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell.
The DUP MP said: "The scale and significance of the revelations printed today, were they related to any other area of life in Northern Ireland, would undoubtedly be headline news across the BBC. ‘Radio silence’ just won’t cut it however in this instance. There are significant multi-layered issues that have been highlighted and all of which deserve a full response from the BBC.
"Many people will obviously question the culture which appears to be prevalent within the programme where its presenter has sent unwanted sexual images to staff members. With the Online Safety Bill set to include a new offence of "cyberflashing" the public has a right to know whether this incident was treated with the level of seriousness it deserved by the BBC.
"It is nearly six years since I led a debate in Westminster on BBC transparency, including around the commissioning process. We now learn that staff on a licence fee funded programme also worked extensively on another show co-produced by Mr Nolan’s private company. Such an option isn’t available to programme makers without access to ‘the inside’. If any other public sector contract was being handled in this way there would be understandable outrage and such revelations deserve a proper response.
"Furthermore the BBC must address whether it has confidence in the editorial integrity of such shows when BBC staff are put into the Nolan "bear pit" to stir up controversial debate. Such tactics appear to be little better than a localised version of the "Jeremy Kyle Show".
"This ultimately is an issue of how public money is used in Northern Ireland and it deserves the same level of scrutiny and questioning, both from the BBC and other sections of the media."
Teenager Dies In Motorcycle Crash Near Ballycastle
A 19-year-old motorcyclist has died in a fatal collision near Ballycastle, County Antrim.
Named as James Gordon from Cullybackey, his motorcycle collided with a car on the Whitepark Road near the Carnduff Park junction at about 5pm on Sunday, 13 August.
The scene was attended by energency service, including the Air Ambulance, but Mr Gordon was pronounced dead at the scene.
A full investigation has been launched into the cause of the collision.
Police have appealed to anyone with any information or who may have dash-cam footage available to contact them.
Closure Of Blackstaff Post Office 'Incredibly Worrying'
The closure of Springfield Road's Blackstaff Post Office has been described as an "incredibly worrying situation" for workers and the local community.
It is understood that the Post Office will close on Saturday 26 August following the resignation of the postmaster and the premises being withdrawn from Post Office use.
Following the news, People Before Profit MLA, Gerry Carroll, is reported to have said that the Blackstaff Post Office is an "invaluable facility for people in the area".
He said that he would engage will workers, residents and stakeholders in an effort to restore the Post Office services.
Revelations about BBC presenter Stephen Nolan raise significant questions for the Corporation and Mr Nolan, East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell.
The DUP MP said: "The scale and significance of the revelations printed today, were they related to any other area of life in Northern Ireland, would undoubtedly be headline news across the BBC. ‘Radio silence’ just won’t cut it however in this instance. There are significant multi-layered issues that have been highlighted and all of which deserve a full response from the BBC.
"Many people will obviously question the culture which appears to be prevalent within the programme where its presenter has sent unwanted sexual images to staff members. With the Online Safety Bill set to include a new offence of "cyberflashing" the public has a right to know whether this incident was treated with the level of seriousness it deserved by the BBC.
"It is nearly six years since I led a debate in Westminster on BBC transparency, including around the commissioning process. We now learn that staff on a licence fee funded programme also worked extensively on another show co-produced by Mr Nolan’s private company. Such an option isn’t available to programme makers without access to ‘the inside’. If any other public sector contract was being handled in this way there would be understandable outrage and such revelations deserve a proper response.
"Furthermore the BBC must address whether it has confidence in the editorial integrity of such shows when BBC staff are put into the Nolan "bear pit" to stir up controversial debate. Such tactics appear to be little better than a localised version of the "Jeremy Kyle Show".
"This ultimately is an issue of how public money is used in Northern Ireland and it deserves the same level of scrutiny and questioning, both from the BBC and other sections of the media."
Teenager Dies In Motorcycle Crash Near Ballycastle
A 19-year-old motorcyclist has died in a fatal collision near Ballycastle, County Antrim.
Named as James Gordon from Cullybackey, his motorcycle collided with a car on the Whitepark Road near the Carnduff Park junction at about 5pm on Sunday, 13 August.
The scene was attended by energency service, including the Air Ambulance, but Mr Gordon was pronounced dead at the scene.
A full investigation has been launched into the cause of the collision.
Police have appealed to anyone with any information or who may have dash-cam footage available to contact them.
Closure Of Blackstaff Post Office 'Incredibly Worrying'
The closure of Springfield Road's Blackstaff Post Office has been described as an "incredibly worrying situation" for workers and the local community.
It is understood that the Post Office will close on Saturday 26 August following the resignation of the postmaster and the premises being withdrawn from Post Office use.
Following the news, People Before Profit MLA, Gerry Carroll, is reported to have said that the Blackstaff Post Office is an "invaluable facility for people in the area".
He said that he would engage will workers, residents and stakeholders in an effort to restore the Post Office services.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
03 June 2008
Four NI Post Offices Spared As 38 Axed
The 'listening' post office has announced it is to heed at least some of the matters raised in its recent public consultation on proposed NI branch closures - and is going to spare a total of four outlets originally earmarked to shut or change status.
Four NI Post Offices Spared As 38 Axed
The 'listening' post office has announced it is to heed at least some of the matters raised in its recent public consultation on proposed NI branch closures - and is going to spare a total of four outlets originally earmarked to shut or change status.
26 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Police Recover Suspected Firearm In Strabane Police recovered a suspected firearm yesterday during a search outside Strabane town in County Tyrone. Detectives from the Police Service's Terrorism Investigation Unit, who are investigating the activities of the New IRA, made the discovery.
Other News In Brief
Police Recover Suspected Firearm In Strabane Police recovered a suspected firearm yesterday during a search outside Strabane town in County Tyrone. Detectives from the Police Service's Terrorism Investigation Unit, who are investigating the activities of the New IRA, made the discovery.
02 December 2002
£20m cash boost for rural post offices announced
Rural post offices in Northern Ireland are set to receive more than £6.9 million-a-year for the next three years, in the largest ever government support package for this vital community service. The money is part of a £450 million national fund to safeguard the future of thousands of rural post offices, which was unveiled by the government today.
£20m cash boost for rural post offices announced
Rural post offices in Northern Ireland are set to receive more than £6.9 million-a-year for the next three years, in the largest ever government support package for this vital community service. The money is part of a £450 million national fund to safeguard the future of thousands of rural post offices, which was unveiled by the government today.
21 October 2009
Postal Strike Hits NI
Postal staff are to go on strike this Thursday. The talking is over - for now - as attempts to broker a deal with postal staff have failed to halt industrial action.
Postal Strike Hits NI
Postal staff are to go on strike this Thursday. The talking is over - for now - as attempts to broker a deal with postal staff have failed to halt industrial action.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
