‘Even RTÉ had more coverage’: DUP’s Gregory Campbell in jibe at BBC NI over centenary events

The DUP MP, a vocal critic of the BBC, again hit out at its decision to axe live coverage of the Twelfth two years ago.

Instead, it focused on an evening highlights programme.

The broadcaster defended its coverage of the centenary parades in 2022 after some unionists labelled it “inadequate”.

It said it had detailed reports about the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland’s parade on two episodes of BBC Newsline, and pointed to its wider coverage on BBC Radio Ulster, and its other programming of events.

Mr Campbell claimed BBC NI’s news and current affairs output was “devoid of balance”.

Writing in the Orange Standard this month, he said: “There are still significant questions however about the processes through which the BBC commissions programmes.

“I have raised these concerns in Parliament and with countless BBC executives in both London and Belfast.

“In both these discussions about the licence fee and commissioning of programmes I have all too often met an approach where the BBC appeared to believe it should not be questioned and no recognition of the need to be answerable to the public who pay for the corporation.

“We in Northern Ireland who come from the Orange tradition saw that approach all too clearly in 2022 when the decision was taken to axe live coverage of the 12th July celebrations.

“That decision followed BBC coverage of the centenary parade, which was nothing short of pitiful, and was even exceeded by RTÉ.”

He added the BBC was in a “period of transition” and “significant questions” were being asked about its future.

“Often there will be criticisms levelled at the Government in Westminster about decisions they have taken and how they will impact the BBC,” he said.

“However, whether in relation to the licence fee, the commissioning of new programming or how they treat events like the 12th July, it is decisions taken by the BBC itself that create the greatest damage to what used to be one of our most important national institutions.”

In response, BBC NI said its Twelfth output was “ambitious” and included demonstrations across the region.

“It complements BBC news coverage of these events and reflects their importance for many people,” it said. “The programme’s availability on BBC iPlayer also makes it accessible to a wider audience.”

It said details about this year’s Twelfth coverage will be announced nearer the time, but it expects to continue with an evening highlights programme.

It added: “We expect them to remain focused on a late-evening compilation of features and reports from Orange Order events in different locations — an approach that allows us to provide a fuller sense of what’s going on and to profile diverse stories, activities and places.”

Meanwhile, the Orange Order has announced the host venues for this year’s Twelfth parades:

County Antrim: Ballymena, Broughshane, Carrickfergus, Cloughmills, Derriaghy, Ahoghill.

County Armagh: Killylea.

Belfast.

County Down: Newtownards, Ballynahinch, Annalong, Gilford.

County Fermanagh: Irvinestown.

County Tyrone: Ballygawley, Newtownstewart, Benburb.

County Londonderry: Londonderry, Moneymore.

County Donegal: Rossnowlagh (July 6).