Channel 4’s ‘underhand’ methods criticised

West Midlands Police has reported Channel 4 to media regulator Ofcom for using underhand methods when editing the Dispatches programme ‘Undercover Mosque’.

The force initially looked at whether there had been any criminal offences for hate speech committed by those featured in the programme and Following careful consideration by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), it has been advised that there is insufficient evidence to bring charges.

“As a result of our findings, the investigation has now been extended to include issues relating to the editing and portrayal of the documentary,” said ACC Anil Patani, West Midlands Police.

“The priority is to investigate the documentary and its making with as much rigour as the extremism the programme sought to portray.”

Channel 4 has rejected the claim that the broadcast was distorted. “West Midlands Police produced no evidence to support its claims,” said Kevin Sutcliffe, commissioning editor for Dispatches.

“We find it extraordinary that they have gone public on these concerns without discussing them with us first.

“All the speakers featured in the film were offered a right to reply and none denied making these comments, nor have any of them complained to Ofcom to our knowledge,” said Mr Sutcliffe.

“The CPS has demonstrated it will not hesitate to prosecute those responsible for criminal incitement,” said CPS reviewing lawyer Bethan David.

“But in this case we have been dealing with a heavily-edited television programme, apparently taking out of context aspects of speeches which, in their totality, could never provide a realistic prospect of any convictions.”

She added: “The splicing together of extracts from longer speeches appears to have completely distorted what the speakers were saying.”