ITV documentary video game

Footage which appeared in the first episode of Exposure was actually taken from a computer game called Arma 2


Broadcast regulator Ofcom has launched an investigation into the inclusion of video game footage in an investigative documentary by ITV, at the time labelled as IRA footage showing a helicopter being shot down.

The broadcaster issued an apology last month after it emerged that the footage which appeared in the first episode of Exposure, a new investigative documentary series on ITV 1, was actually taken from a computer game called Arma 2.

ITV said the inclusion of the footage was "an unfortunate case of human error".

"The events featured in Exposure: Gaddafi and the IRA were genuine but it would appear that during the editing process the correct clip of the 1988 incident was not selected and other footage was mistakenly included in the film by producers," a statement from ITV said.

At the time Journalism.co.uk reported that Ofcom had received 25 complaints about the documentary and was assessing the situation.

Following an assessment Ofcom has decided to launch an investigation, writing to the broadcaster to ask for their comments on the events. It is now waiting for a response from ITV, which has confirmed receipt of the letter.

The documentary was removed from the ITV online player when it emerged that the programme contained the game footage, although the broadcaster said it would be uploaded again with the correct video.

At the time of writing the episode has not been uploaded, but a spokesman said it is currently in the process of being re-edited and will appear on the site.
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