TV6 pulls Crime Watch off the air until further notice

TV6 on Monday pulled its Crime Watch program off the air until further notice.

In a media statement, the private station said took the decision because it "values its reputation for credibility, adherence to the highest standards of responsible journalism and respect to all of our loyal viewers. In this regard, the station has agreed to suspend the programme until further notice."

Crime Watch host, Ian Alleyne, has been under fire for showing video of a minor being raped. He has built his program and his viewership on dealing with highly controversial issues. Crime Watch started on another private network, WINtv, but was dropped from that network earlier in the year.

Alleyne posted a Facebook message confirming the TV6 decision, blaming the Telecommunications Authority and several members of the public.

"I hope they are now happy that the poor and oppressed will now be denied truth and justice. I will continue to stand for the oppressed and fight," the message stated. It urged people to lobby for a return of the show. "Call TV6. Stand with me and let your voices be heard in support of Crime Watch," he said.

Complaints against the show, in particular the video of the attack on the girl, brought strong objection from the relevant government ministry, the commissioner of police, a chorus of citizens and the T&T Publishers and Broadcasters Association.

The TV6 media release is published below:
Mrs. Shida Bolai, Chief Executive Officer, Caribbean Communications Network Limited (CCN) wishes to announce that in light of the recent complaints made against the CCN TV6 programme “Crime Watch”, in particular video clips which aired on October 25th 2011 at 6 pm and 10:30 pm and on October 26th 2011 at 6 pm, a full review into all aspects of the programme has been launched.

CCN TV6 values its reputation for credibility, adherence to the highest standards of responsible journalism and respect to all of our loyal viewers. In this regard, the station has agreed to suspend the programme until further notice.

CCN TV6 wishes to thank the public and its advertisers for their continued support