Orange Order criticises 'inaccurate and sensationalist' media coverage

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland (GOLI) has criticised a number of media organisations in Northern Ireland over what it said was "inaccurate, sensationalist and divisive commentary".

In a statement, the GOLI said the BBC continued to "marginalise Orangeism", criticising its coverage of the Twelfth celebrations.

A spokesperson for the BBC said its coverage reflected "their scale and significance for those taking part".

"We provided extensive, cross-platform coverage of the Orange Order's 12 July events," they added.

"Our multiple news reports were informative and impartial.

"And they were complemented by The Twelfth programme on BBCNI television and BBC iPlayer."

The GOLI also said the BBC's recent coverage about a cross-community sports camp in County Down which was cancelled as residents and an Orange Lodge raised concerns over the "perceived move of the GAA into the local community" , was relentless and unbalanced.

Alongside the BBC, the GOLI criticised the Belfast Telegraph, The Sunday Life and Irish News.

It called the Sunday Life's story about the Goldsprings LOL worshipful master "victimisation".

"Will the Belfast Telegraph door step the organisers of the Joe Cahill children's GAA Gaelic competition to be held as part of Féile an Phobail?"

In a statement, the Belfast Telegraph said it reported on issues "without fear or favour".

"In relation to the Twelfth, we featured extensive coverage, as we do every year, including three separate supplements across the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life," a spokesperson added.

The GOLI also said it had become accustomed to "commentators who are paid to produce content for the Irish News amongst others, spewing bile and intolerance towards anything associated with our culture, our community, and our traditions".

The editor-in-chief of The Irish News said he had approached the Orange Order to discuss the matters it had raised in its statement.

"We stand over our journalism and the right of our columnists to offer their views and commentary on topics in the news," added Chris Sherrard.

"Accusations of us 'spewing bile and intolerance' are not only wrong, but rejected in the strongest terms."