BBC's 'inordinate' focus on GAA semi-finals in contrast to lack of Twelfth live broadcast: TUV

Responding to the BBC NI decision to broadcast both All-Ireland senior gaelic football semi-finals this weekend, TUV councillor Allister Kyle said the BBC’s approach to the GAA contrasts sharply with the corporation’s coverage of a major celebration of “Protestantism and Britishness”. The games between Dublin and Monaghan at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday, and Derry versus Kerry at the same venue on Sunday, are both being broadcast live on BBC Two NI. Cllr Kyle, who sits on the Causeway Coast and Glens Council and is the party’s vice-chairman, said: “BBC Northern Ireland’s decision to give such an inordinate level of coverage to two GAA matches this weekend – only one of which involves a team from Northern Ireland – is a telling insight into the interests of the organisation. “Last year they dropped live coverage of the Twelfth on dubious grounds without any engagement with the Orange Order and now, just a few days after the Twelfth, they are set to broadcast hours of live GAA coverage both on BBC 2 and over iPlayer.” Cllr Kyle added: “While the BBC chose to snub the single biggest event in the cultural calendar of Northern Ireland because it celebrates Protestantism and Britishness, it is happy to give wall to wall coverage to the GAA just days later. “The BBC is manifestly failing in its duty as a public service broadcaster to provide for all of the community. Such an approach badly needs to change.” In addition to the live television coverage, the BBC website states: “You can also follow the semi-finals on the BBC Sport website and app. Both games will also be streamed on the website. In addition, there will be live text commentaries of both matches with in-play clips, analysis and reaction. There will also be match reports and highlights of both games after full-time.” It adds: “The BBC will be building up to the semi-finals all week which will include a column on the semi-finals from Michael Murphy. The coverage has already started with this week's The GAA Social Extra podcast on BBC Sounds where Oisin McConville gave his thoughts on the prospects of Derry and Monaghan upsetting the semi-final favourites. “There will be much more throughout the week including Friday's in-depth preview of both games which will have the all team news”. The BBC faced widespread criticism last June when it announced a break with the long tradition of a live Twelfth Day broadcast from Belfast city centre. In June 2022, the corporation said the decision was taken “after careful consideration”. However, the Orange Order said: “This decision by BBC NI was reached without meaningful discussion or consultation with the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and is immensely disappointing and frustrating, not only for our members but for the many members of the public who watch the programme each year”. The BBC coverage of the Twelfth this year was once again a highlights package broadcast in the evening. The BBCNI then interim director Adam Smyth said the initial decision was taken for audience reasons and “not to diminish” the importance of 12 July to the unionist community.He said: “We do understand how much value people put on the Twelfth and in no way are we seeking to deny any of that, but we’re trying to shape our resources to maximise the audience benefit.” Last year, GB News stepped in to provide live coverage of some Twelfth parades and did a similar live broadcast this week – with former DUP leader Dame Arlene Foster in Belfast for the occasion. Orange Order grand master Edward Stevenson has praised GB News for its broadcasts, saying: “Live coverage of the Twelfth is very important to so many people, particularly those who are unable to attend parades for a range of reasons." On Friday, a BBC spokesperson said: “We seek to reflect community and cultural life in its different aspects and diversity. And we know how much all of this matters to BBC audiences in Northern Ireland.”