C4 reprimanded over Climate Change documentary

By Ben Fenton
Published: July 22 2008 03:00

Channel 4 was reprimanded by Ofcom yesterday over a documentary on climate change that breached impartiality rules, writes Ben Fenton .
The broadcasting regulator ruled that The Great Global Warming Swindle had unfairly treated some experts, including Sir David King, formerly the government's chief scientific adviser. The programme challenged the view that humans are responsible for the warming of the planet. Ofcom said however that the programme did not breach rules on accuracy because it had not materially misled its audience in the presentation of the scientific debate.
But the documentary had "made some significant allegations without offering an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond".
Channel 4 will be required to broadcast Ofcom's findings but was not fined.
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008