BBC Lawyers Call For Investigation Into Alleged Police Surveillance Of Journalist

The BBC has instructed lawyers to contact a specialist tribunal over claims one of its investigative reporters, Vincent Kearney, was spied on by police. Issue date: Thursday May 2, 2024. 76042935 (Press Association via AP Images)

BBC lawyers have written to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal alleging that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) unlawfully surveilled journalist Vincent Kearney, a former BBC journalist.

Kearney, who now works for Irish broadcaster RTE, led a 2011 BBC Spotlight investigation on the integrity of the Police Ombudsman’s Office. His work eventually led to the resignation of then Ombudsman Al Hutchinson. However, Kearney believes that the PSNI may have conducted covert spying techniques in an attempt to expose his sources, raising alarms over press freedom.

“I am concerned the police may have attempted to identify sources of information within the programme,” Kearney said. “Journalists must be free to carry out their work without fear that the police may secretly try to identify sources. I am determined to find out what happened.”

In response, the BBC engaged lawyers and approached the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, citing “serious issues of public interest,” particularly the potential threats to journalistic inquiry and freedom.

The move comes as ongoing cases are being pursued by Belfast journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney, who allege similar PSNI misconduct.

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