| Spotlight | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Current Affairs |
| Country of origin | Northern Ireland |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Running time | 30–40 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC One Northern Ireland |
| Infobox instructions (only shown in preview) | |
Spotlight is a BBC Northern Ireland weekly current affairs programme. It debuted in 1973.
The programme is aired on BBC1 Northern Ireland at 10:35pm (and sometimes early) on Tuesday evenings,[1] with a repeat on BBC2.[2] It is available to UK viewers outside of Northern Ireland on BBC iPlayer for a week after the programme. The format usually consists of a half-hour report presented on a rotating basis by a small number of presenters and reporters. At present, these are Mandy McAuley,[3] Lyndsey Telford,[4] Conor Spackman, [5] Julian O'Neill,[6] Stephen Dempster,[7] Jennifer O'Leary,[8] Alan Haslam.[9] Occasionally, the programme consists of a studio format with various reports and panel discussions.
Spotlight is well known for its hard-hitting investigations[10] and in 2008 won a Royal Television Society award for Mandy McAuley's dog-fighting investigation. [11][12]
It has launched the careers of a number of high-profile broadcasters, including Jeremy Paxman, Alex Thomson and Gavin Esler. [13]
BBC NI's flagship TV investigative current affairs programme. Tuesdays 10.35pm @BBCOneNI @BBCiPlayer #SpotlightNI
Broadcasts - Tue 22 Oct 2013 22:35 BBC ONE NORTHERN IRELAND HD & NORTHERN IRELAND ONLY - Wed 23 Oct 2013 23:20 BBC TWO NORTHERN IRELAND
The hidden trap of drugs debt. Mandy McAuley investigates what happens when drug users can't pay for what they take. She learns that dealers are forcing some, including teenagers, into sex or running drugs to pay off what they owe.
As race attacks are on the rise, Lyndsey Telford is on the ground to investigate behind the hate. Victims spell out how attacks wrecked livelihoods and risked lives – and ask who speaks for the communities where hate crimes are increasing?
In the wake of the discredited neurologist Michael Watt being struck off the medical register, Conor Spackman investigates the death of a patient under his care, claims of a cover-up within Belfast Trust and finds thousands of cases are still awaiting review.
The crisis that took down a chief constable: starting with a massive data leak, followed quickly by a court ruling that sparked a row over political interference in policing. As a result, the Police Service of Northern Ireland wound up without a leader. BBC NI's crime and justice correspondent Julian O'Neill investigates inside the crisis that rolled over the PSNI in a matter of weeks.
The criminal justice system in Northern Ireland is burdened by long delays in cases getting to court. Murder and rape cases can take five years or longer to conclude. Reporter Stephen Dempster investigates why cases are taking so long, talks to victims who have found themselves in what they call a 'traumatic, nightmare situation', and hears from experts who fear the system is at breaking point, with potential consequences for the rule of law.
Freddie Scappaticci led a double life – spyhunter for the IRA and, at the same time, one of Britain's most important spies inside the group. His ability to interrogate IRA gunmen and bombers gave him unique access to their secrets – information that could be fed straight back to their enemies. But his IRA role also meant he was a killer. Jennifer O'Leary investigates.
Sean had a history of drug use and mental health problems when doctors decided to detain him in a psychiatric unit for his own good. Hours later, he managed to evade supervision and ultimately take his own life inside the hospital. Alan Haslam speaks to his grieving mother and investigates what lessons have been learned.
Hard-hitting investigations on the stories that matter in Northern Ireland.
BBC NI's Spotlight has won a Royal Television Society award for its scoop last year on pit bull fighting.
The investigative reporter is a former Royal Television Society winner, for her Spotlight expose into the world of illegal dog-fighting.
Broadcasters Jeremy Paxman, Gavin Esler and Alex Thomson spent the early part of their careers in Spotlight.