The Nolan franchise

After its investigation into the production processes of various Stephen Nolan shows on the BBC, the Irish News allows columnist Tom Collins to ruminate further. Tom has just retired as programme director in journalism studies at the University of Stirling. Here's some bits - read the whole thing here. 

"Of a different order still is the continuing controversy over the power wielded by one entity within the BBC – namely the Nolan franchise. And it is important to note that this is not about an individual. Nolan is a brand BBC Northern Ireland has invested in and nurtured to ensure it can compete with the detritus of social media.

On the face of it, Nolan’s approach to broadcasting should be anathema to the BBC. But the ‘shoot-from-the-hip’ approach has served him and the broadcaster well. Nolan makes a fortune and has been showered with awards. His BBC Northern Ireland bosses have bathed in his reflected glory.

But at what cost? The BBC has a duty to explore every aspect of society here. But an increasing number of people – not just the ‘usual suspects’ – believe the Nolan brand has exploited the divisions within society here in pursuit of ratings.

It has given undue prominence to those who have made it their life’s worth to sow division, and it has treated those who have a legitimate mandate with contempt.

The response in Broadcasting House to legitimate complaints has been to batten down the hatches, and hide behind the ludicrous claim that Nolan must be doing something right if both sides are complaining about him.

But it is clear from the revelations reported in The Irish News that there is more at issue here than a presenter who gets on people’s nerves.

The Nolan franchise appears to be operating like a state within a state, and at war with other parts of BBC Northern Ireland.

The BBC management hides behind the usual response: “The BBC has established processes in place to deal with any workplace-related issues and concerns.”

But these are not just concerns about workplace matters, they are concerns about whether or not BBC Northern Ireland is discharging its duty to “act in the public interest, serving all audiences through the provision of impartial, high-quality and distinctive output and services which inform, educate and entertain”.

Concern over the Nolan franchise has been coming to a head for quite some time. Another bland BBC statement is not enough. Yes, the BBC has many critics, but in failing to adequately answer their concerns, the BBC is demonstrating that, once again, its biggest enemy is itself.