The families of the Nottingham Attack victims were made aware that BBC’s Panorama had made an investigative documentary regarding the murderer of their loved ones, Valdo Calocane, for the first time on the 26th July.
They were not given details of content other than a statement that ‘big questions would be answered’ and that people were taking part that ‘had not spoken in public before’ including the murderer’s family.
When questioned as to why the victims’ families had not been asked to contribute or be made aware of the programme previously, they were advised that this was in the public interest and that an extended new piece, ‘The Big Cases’, which aired in January had represented them.
The families raised their concern at the lack of consideration at the appalling trauma this would cause them: and whilst they in no way wish to deter any form of investigative journalism or reporting, they believe the BBC have failed in their duty of care in any form of consideration for them. The matter was raised at the most senior level to the editor of the programme by both the families and also by the Health Secretary.
The families’ specific request for a private viewing of the documentary prior to the general broadcast was also declined.