How the BBC mangled the poorly chosen words of the RSPB to tell a different story ...

On 12 August the BBC ran a story about Driven Grouse Shooting  ' Labour calls for review amid habitat concerns '
They (mis)quoted the RSPB ' the sport is both economically important '

I contacted Mike Clarke and copied Martin Harper -
' ... I wonder if that is a correct quote ? '

Martin said the correct RSPB quote was  ' ... and of local economical importance '

That little word  ' local '  !

I replied to Martin  ' ... local economic benefit is a world away from its being beneficial in a general sense ... '
' This is much in the same way that robbery brings local economic benefit ( to the criminal ! ) but does not benefit the community '

Martin replied  ' Thanks Chris - I agree !  I know the team were following this up with the BBC '

Mark Avery commented    ' Chris - many thanks for doing this '



In conclusion -
What could have been a helpful news item wrongly gave the impression that Driven Grouse Shooting gives overall economic benefits.

My message to the BBC - Please do not misquote in such a way that the meaning is totally changed.

My message to the RSPB - Please do not put out statements that can be mangled.  It is unhelpful to talk about any sort of economic importance of Driven Grouse Shooting.