Statement by TUV deputy leader Councillor Ron McDowell:
“Last night the BBC broadcast a section during their tea time edition of News Line showing sports reporter Mark Sidebottom with his face painted in Armagh GAA colours.
“The BBC are perfectly aware that the GAA is a contentious organisation which, by its association with Republican terrorism by way of the naming of clubs, competitions and hosting of events, has repeatedly caused offence to innocent victims and division in Northern Ireland.
“It is inconceivable that a BBC reporter would have appeared on air with their face painted orange while reporting on the Twelfth celebrations. In fact, it’s scarcely believable that the BBC could carry a report on the Twelfth which wasn’t couched in negative terms because of the inherent bias of the organisation.
“Last night’s report was a clear breech of impartiality – which is hardly a surprise given the BBC’s record in recent months. However, there are many licence fee payers, including in Co Armagh, who want nothing to do with the GAA or the match on Sunday and for good reason. It’s high time our public service broadcaster realised that. The BBC has lost the confidence of the public. Last night was another example of why the licence fee should be abolished.”