THE BIGGER THE LIE

An exclusive look into mainstream media bias and the techniques they use to influence the Scottish independence debate.

Media Bias in the Scottish Independence Referendum Exposed

Phantom Power - Filming for Scottish Independence

'The Bigger The Lie’ focuses on the significant research of Professor John Robertson into media bias during the Scottish Independence Referendum. The film covers Professor Robertson’s meticulous approach to the research and the subsequent suppression by the mainstream media of his findings.

Overall, the findings did uncover some general evidence of bias and particularly repetition of 'bad news'. The techniques used such as sequencing of stories, reliance on sources such as the Treasury, OBR and IFS, demonisation of First Minister Alex Salmond and use of 'experts' were all more telling. This film might just change the way you look at the BBC’s coverage of Scotland’s most important political event.

The film aims to bring Professor Robertson's important research to a wider audience - something the entire mainstream media failed to do. It does not attempt to be a full account of the research but a snapshot that outlines the techniques of bias. I hope the film will encourage viewers to seek out the original research and understand more about how bias operates.

Professor Robertson promotes the idea of greater political transparency of those offering media opinion on the debate. As the filmmaker of this work I have never been very political in the past. I am a former Labour and SNP voter who will be deciding on Yes because I believe this is a great opportunity to achieve a more equal, wealthier and, above all, democratic Scottish nation.

Professor Robertson's Research:

http://issuu.com/creative_futur/docs/robertson2014fairnessinthefirstyear

http://issuu.com/creative_futur/docs/robertson2014goodmorningscotland

Professor Robertson's Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005589228387

Director of BBC Scotland Ken MacQuarrie, Head of News and Current Affairs John Boothman, the Head of Commonwealth Games 2014 Bruce Malcolm and the Editor of the Referendum Unit John Mullin giving evidence to the Education and Culture Committee.

The session includes response to Prof Robertson's research, complaints from the public and some unusual staffing arrangements for coverage of the referendum that included making 35 regular members of staff redundant.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/scotland-26529241

Filmed on 06/08/14 HD1920x1080p Running Time 13.40