BBC slammed for using subtitles for Castledawson man in Countryfile programme

Mid Ulster MLA Ian Milne said he was ‘shocked’ by the subtitles used when Castledawson blacksmith, Barney Devlin was speaking.

“Mr Devlin is a well-known figure in the local area, and internationally as a result of his immortalisation by the late Seamus Heaney in his famous poem, ‘The Forge’,” said the Sinn Fein assembly member.

“Following the death of Seamus Heaney last year, Barney Devlin was interviewed by media organisations from across the world, including the BBC and they did not see the need for subtitles.

“This has caused anger in the local community who are insulted by this unnecessary move.

“A wide variety of accents are heard and understood on the BBC without the need for subtitles every day so the BBC must explain why they used in this instance.

“It is yet another example of the BBC’s lack of respect for Irish people and culture.

Mr Milne said he will be “writing to the BBC to highlight his concerns about calling on the broadcaster to ‘apologise immediately’.