BBC coverage of raid on Cliff Richard's home does not win RTS award

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/feb/18/bbc-rts-award-cliff-richard-raid-home-fails-win

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The BBC has failed to win an industry award for its controversial coverage of the police raid on the home of Sir Cliff Richard.

The veteran star hit the headlines when detectives searched his Berkshire apartment in August while a film crew from the corporation caught the event on camera.

That coverage was nominated for Scoop of the Year at the Royal Television Society’s (RTS) television journalism awards.

But the gong went to BBC Northern Ireland for Spotlight – A Woman Alone With The IRA.

Following the raid, Sir Cliff was interviewed by detectives investigating a claim of a sex crime involving a young boy, but was not arrested or charged.

Related: Royal Television Society TV journalism awards: full list of winners

MPs later branded South Yorkshire police “inept” over their handling of the event and said they should have refused to cooperate with the BBC.

The home affairs select committee also criticised the BBC for its decision not to allow the reporter behind the story, Dan Johnson, to appear before them.

A statement from Sir Cliff’s lawyers, released to coincide with the report, said the coverage caused “immeasurable harm” to their client.

Other winners at the ceremony in the London Hilton, Park Lane, included ITV News at Ten for Daily News Programme of the Year, and Sky News for News Channel of the Year.