Carlton May Face Second ITC Inquiry

The Independent Television Commission (ITC) has said that it may become involved in an investigation of a second allegedly faked Carlton documentary, following an ‘exposure’ by The Guardian earlier this week.

The documentary, Inside Castro’s Cuba, was accused by The Guardian of portraying Cuban Government archive footage of Castro as an exclusive Carlton interview. The ITC says that the misleading aspect of the programme may have been not in the actual broadcast but in the promotional ‘brochure’ which was produced to accompany the programme. If this is the case it would fall outside the ITC’s remit.

If, however, on viewing a tape of the programme, the ITC deems it to contravene the Commission’s codes, an investigation could be launched.

The ITC is currently waiting for Carlton to complete its investigation of an earlier documentary, The Connection, so that it may be begin its own inquiry (see ITC To Investigate Allegations Of Faked Carlton Documentary). The Connection was also accused by The Guardian of being ‘faked’. This has so far not be proven either way. Executive producer Marc de Beaufort worked on both the documentaries.

If the ITC rules that Carlton has infringed broadcasting codes in either case, it can sanction the company with anything from a fine to a licence removal.

Independent Television Commission: 0171 255 3000 Carlton Television: 0171 240 4000