The BBC has called for its journalists to be treated with more respect amid claims that they were the objects of “completely unacceptable” abuse and threats on social media.
BBC Scotland called for restraint after it said that some of its staff were attacked online while reporting on political stories over the weekend.
The broadcaster was one of many outlets to cover the claims that the Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon had expressed a preference for David Cameron as prime minister. Sturgeon vehemently denied she had done so.
It is understood that BBC Scotland correspondent James Cook was the most high-profile recipient of abuse but other BBC journalists covering the story have also been targeted.
Cook tweeted about the “vicious abuse” he received over the weekend.
What an extraordinary level of vicious abuse I have received today for simply reporting the news. Is this the country we want folks? Is it?
— James Cook (@BBCJamesCook) April 4, 2015
The BBC would not say whether it had contacted the police over any abuse concerning the story.
Donalda MacKinnon, BBC Scotland’s head of programmes and service, said: “We welcome social media engagement with our audiences. It was a significant element of last year’s referendum and, for the general election, we are increasing the ways in which voters can access our coverage online with more shareable content such as video and audio clips.
“But there are times when social media and other online sites have been used to abuse and threaten journalists.
“This is completely unacceptable and our journalists are entitled to carry out their work without the threat of unwarranted personal attacks online.
BBC Scotland said it was putting up a “robust defence” of its staff in the face of a “barrage of abuse”, which it said also came via email.
MacKinnon added: “The safety of our staff is of paramount concern to us and we are doing everything in our power to ensure they can carry out their work helping to inform our audiences on this major story without intimidation or abuse.”
