By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

Lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (BCB) has rejected claims of political bias after Free National Movement (FNM) candidate Omar Isaacs’ live radio interview was cut short last week, sparking complaints of victimisation.

In a statement released yesterday, BCB said it “categorically rejects” claims of political interference, insisting the corporation remains “committed to impartiality and fairness” in its coverage of political developments.

The corporation was responding to criticism from Mr Isaacs and FNM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright, who called the decision to cut the programme short as “an affront to democratic principles and free speech.”

“Over the years, we have made a deliberate effort to provide balanced airtime to representatives of all political parties,” BCB said, adding that this includes weekly political segments and frequent appearances by members of both the governing and opposition parties.

BCB said Mr Isaacs has been featured in several news segments across its platforms, including ZNS Northern Service, as recently as the day before he launched his campaign.

“Every request for coverage made by Mr Isaacs has been honoured. At no point has he been denied access or opportunity to share his views through our platforms,” the statement read.

According to BCB, Mr Isaacs’ appearance on Man to Man Conversation was approved as the programme is intended to focus on issues affecting Bahamian men.

During commercial breaks, BCB said the station manager advised the host to steer the conversation back to the show’s intended focus. However, the discussion continued to deviate from that direction.

“As a result, a decision was made to end the show early.”

The show, which typically runs 90 minutes, was reportedly ended after about 35 to 40 minutes.

BCB said Mr Isaacs did not contact the corporation’s executive management to lodge a formal complaint after the incident, but instead addressed the matter on social media in a way they described as including inappropriate and misleading comparisons.

“Should Mr Isaacs wish to discuss matters of national importance and a political nature, he is always welcomed back on the relevant platforms that have been designed for these conversations.”

The corporation also addressed Mr Cartwright’s comments, noting that he was recently invited and confirmed as a guest on ZNS’s political programme The Rundown but cancelled less than 24 hours before the scheduled appearance, after the episode had been promoted.

The company also reminded the public that it is a publicly funded institution “dedicated to serving the entire Bahamian community”, adding: “During this political season, and at all times, we reaffirm our commitment to journalistic integrity, fair access, and balanced reporting. We serve all Bahamians, regardless of political affiliation, with pride and professionalism.”