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Notices and Press Releases

Fawcett : The Verdict - a missed opportunity for the BBC

Commenting on BBC2's drama The Verdict, Dr Katherine Rake, Director of the Fawcett Society, said:

"Given the scale of the problem, there is a lack of serious coverage of rape on television.

"The Verdict will not address this and the BBC has missed an opportunity to fulfil its public service remit. We are concerned that The Verdict trivialises the issue of rape for the sake of entertainment. The use of a celebrity jury detracts from the serious issues involved, while the choice of a case involving 'celebrity' defendants further immerses the programme in a celebrity world that would be alien to most victims.

"What is needed is a serious discussion, not a celebrity circus. The media must now take the lead in informing the public about the realities of rape."

(The first episode of The Verdict will be broadcast on BBC2 at 9pm on Sunday 11 February 2007.)