BBC NI Ends Live Broadcast Of Twelve Of July Parade

BBC NI will no longer broadcast live coverage of Belfast's Twelfth of July parade.

The broadcaster has written to the Orange Order informing of the decision, which it said had been taken "after careful consideration".

It is understood that the day will now be covered in an hour-long programme from eight locations across NI.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has expressed "immense disappointment" at the decision.

A spokesman 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.

"We became aware of the plans to cancel the live broadcast during our annual Twelfth of July planning meeting with BBC NI staff.

"The Grand Secretary Rev. Mervyn Gibson and Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, a former Assistant Grand Master and DUP Leader, then met with Interim Director of BBC Northern Ireland Adam Smyth and asked him to reconsider this decision.

"The BBC is a public broadcasting service and to cancel live coverage of the Twelfth of July - the biggest cultural event in Northern Ireland with tens of thousands taking part and hundreds of thousands more watching at the eighteen host venues – defies logic.

"We pointed out many people cannot attend Twelfth of July parades for a range of reasons. Many are housebound due to illness or old age, while others are in nursing homes – they are the people who will be impacted most by this decision.

"It is hard to accept this as anything other than a further snub to the wider Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist Community and our culture."

Ulster Unionist MLA John Stewart, who is a member of the Orange Order, has criticised the decision and has called on them to reverse it.

Stewart said: "This is the wrong decision by the management of BBC Northern Ireland and it's one that they should reverse. The Twelfth of July is one of the biggest events of the year in Northern Ireland which generates millions for the local economy. Hundreds of thousands of people come out across the country to participate in and watch the Twelfth.

"The live coverage enables those who are unable to attend to see and feel part of the event on the day. There are those who are housebound, the elderly, the vulnerable and those who for one reason or another just can't make it on the day.

"The programme which the BBC is discontinuing is also very well made. Not only does it contain live coverage of the Twelfth itself, but it's also very educational with pre-recorded pieces about the history and background to the Twelfth, and those participating in it. To decide to drop it is totally irrational. I would appeal to Adam Smyth, the Interim Director of BBC Northern Ireland, and his senior colleagues to reverse this decision."