Assume Nothing

The story of two journalists who investigated an unsolved mass murder in Northern Ireland. Six men were shot dead by Loyalist paramilitaries in the Height’s Bar, Loughinisland on the 18th June 1994. No-one has ever been charged or convicted. Episode 8 – Who Watches the WatchmenAs the dust settles on a historic judgement by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal – Barry and Trevor say their fight is not yet over, demanding a full public inquiry to reveal the full extent of surveillance. Can a wide-ranging review of surveillance powers commissioned by the Chief Constable of the PSNI provide answers - and can a balance between national security legislation and the need for transparency ever truly be achieved?A BBC Northern Ireland Production

The story of two journalists who investigated an unsolved mass murder in Northern Ireland. Six men were shot dead by Loyalist paramilitaries in the Height’s Bar, Loughinisland on the 18th June 1994. No-one has ever been charged or convicted. Episode 7 – Full DisclosureBarry and Trevor prepare for a rare public hearing of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal – but last minute disclosures from police forces across the U.K bring repeated adjournments – and raise serious questions about how wide the net of surveillance against journalists has been cast.A BBC Northern Ireland production

Barry McCaffrey, a journalist once under surveillance, delves into serious issues surrounding unlawful police actions and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. He shares the emotional toll on journalists fighting for media freedom after a pivotal court ruling. Discussions reveal the staggering challenges of proving unlawful surveillance claims and the corruption present in police practices. McCaffrey highlights a shocking revelation that could change the landscape for journalists in the UK, emphasizing the tension between law enforcement and media accountability.

Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney challenge the legality of police warrants in a pivotal case for journalistic rights. The complexities of judicial reviews and sensitive material come to light, raising questions about document theft allegations. Ethical dilemmas arise as journalists grapple with protecting sources against police investigations. The podcast highlights tensions between press freedom and law enforcement integrity, culminating in a crucial judicial decision that could reshape the landscape of journalism and legal authority.

The story of two journalists who investigated an unsolved mass murder in Northern Ireland.Six men were shot dead by Loyalist paramilitaries in the Height’s Bar, Loughinisland on the 18th June 1994. No-one has ever been charged or convicted. Episode 4 – Operation YurtaOn the day of the film’s Belfast premiere, police announce a new investigation – into the suspected theft of sensitive documents from the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland.Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney are arrested nine months later and their homes and offices are searched. While they are questioned about four offences - theft, handling stolen goods, unlawfully disclosing personal data and offences under the Official Secrets Act - their legal teams must make an urgent decision.Readings byIan Davidson Steven Calvert Aoibheann McCann Antoinette MorelliA BBC Northern Ireland production

The story of two journalists who investigated an unsolved mass murder in Northern Ireland. Six men were shot dead by Loyalist paramilitaries in the Height’s Bar, Loughinisland on the 18th June 1994. No-one has ever been charged or convicted. Episode 3 – No Stone UnturnedWhile a second Ombudsman investigation gets underway, journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney start work on a new documentary about the Loughinisland massacre.When the Ombudsman’s report finds elements of the police prevented a proper investigation to protect informants, Barry uses the leaked documents to unlock the identities of chief suspects – but should they name them in the film?Readings by: Steven Calvert Aoibheann McCann Antoinette Morelli Brian KernohanA BBC Northern Ireland production

The story of two journalists who investigated an unsolved mass murder in Northern Ireland. Six men were shot dead by Loyalist paramilitaries in Loughinisland on the 18th June 1994. No one has ever been charged or convicted. Episode 2 – Six Men DeadBarry recounts the tragic events of 18th June, when a ruthless UVF gang open fire indiscriminately in the Height’s Bar – killing six men, and seriously wounding five others. When ten years pass without any charges or convictions – the families of the victims demand action. A report into the police investigation finds serious failings, but no evidence the police tried to protect the gang from prosecution. Then - Barry receives a leaked secret document in the post from an anonymous sender.A BBC Northern Ireland Production

The story of two journalists who investigated an unsolved mass murder in Northern Ireland. Six men were shot dead by Loyalist paramilitaries in the Height’s Bar, Loughinisland on the 18th June 1994. No one has ever been charged or convicted. Episode 1 – Early One MorningInvestigative journalist Barry McCaffrey has slept in and he’s late for work. When his doorbell rings at 7am, Barry wonders if the day he’s been dreading has finally arrived – are his worst fears about to come true?A BBC Northern Ireland Production

A hush-hush factory opening. No photographs allowed. A story of cover-ups, corporate espionage, fightbacks – and death ...In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. “90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” What, she wonders, is this factory making? Ophelia doesn’t know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it’s a dangerous substance.But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden Executive Editor: Andy Martin

An unmarked grave – and missing documents. What do the authorities know?In this series, casually scanning old newspaper archives, Ophelia Byrne comes across an odd headline: “Hush hush process in Ballyclare firm.” The newspaper was printed in 1967. “Strictly no photographs” was the order issued at the opening of the new factory. “90 guests steered clear of a top-secret process.” All workers “will have to sign an oath of secrecy.” What, she wonders, is this factory making? Ophelia doesn’t know it when she starts out, but her subsequent investigation into this company, Turner and Newall, will take her from a small town in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea to places like Rochdale, Leeds and London. It will bring her to one million documents released for a transatlantic trial – papers which show cover-ups and even corporate espionage. The product, of course, is asbestos. You may think you know the story – it’s a dangerous substance.But Ophelia marries previous journalistic investigations to new documents which reveal what government agencies knew about its risks, and when. She combs through company correspondence which the manufacturers claimed did not exist, and clearly never imagined would become public. This is the story of Killer Dust, from mountains of the material in mines still operating in countries today, to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the terraced streets of the north of England. It is the story too of the people who fought and died for the truth to expose the reckless pursuit of profit in the making of one of the most dangerous building materials on the planet. Presenter/ Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineer: Gary Bawden Executive Editor: Andy Martin