Bafta for BBC Ni Priest Abuse Documentary

4NI
May 13, 2013

http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern_ireland_news.asp?id=162676

BBC Northern Ireland is celebrating BAFTA success following the news that a BBC One NI documentary on the Catholic Church abuse scandal won the current affairs category.

The Shame of the Catholic Church, presented by Darragh MacIntyre, was shown on This World on BBC One NI and BBC Two and investigated the Church's actions in dealing with priests in Ireland who abused children.

The documentary was made with assistance from Catholic Canon lawyer and commentator, the Reverend Thomas Doyle and leading Irish writer Colm Toibin, BBC NI revealed.

Sam Collyns, executive producer, BBC NI Current Affairs, told BBC News: "In the first instance we must recognise the bravery of the victims of abuse from all those years ago who had the courage to come forward and tell their stories.

"I would also like to thank Darragh and the programme's director, Alison Millar for developing relationships and in building up the trust necessary to persevere in telling this difficult story.

"We accept this award on behalf of all of those who made such important contributions."

Peter Johnston, director of BBC Northern Ireland, told BBC News: "An important part of the BBC's role is holding organisations and institutions to account.

"This was a robust and challenging piece of journalism. I congratulate the team for making it happen and for bringing this story to the BBC's local and network audiences.

"Winning this second award is not only a tribute to the team, it establishes BBC Northern Ireland as a centre for quality, investigative journalism."