Broadcasting regulator Ofcom has rejected a complaint by Thomas Cook about a Panorama programme investigating the deaths of two children on holiday in Corfu in 2006.
The operator complained that the programme, entitled Death in Corfu, “misrepresented” its conduct following the deaths of Christianne and Robert Shepherd, who were poisoned by carbon monoxide fumes.
It said the programme did not reflect the fact that Thomas Cook had offered full support to the children’s family. Thomas Cook said Panorama had “unfairly” edited its statement, which meant it did not have an “appropriate opportunity” to respond to the programme.
The programme also failed to make clear that the Thomas Cook employee who carried out the “audit” at the hotel was a consumer affairs executive who had undertaken specific health and safety training, said the operator.
However, the BBC said the programme had fairly represented the position of Thomas Cook and never guaranteed it would use the statement in full.
It also dismissed claims that Thomas Cook had not had enough time to respond to questions.