BBC broadcasts its morning editorial meeting live for 'Democracy Day' – and it doesn’t quite go according to plan
'What is that? What are we showing? Is that a close-up of a guy brandishing a dagger?'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The BBC opened its doors today to celebrate coverage of its “Democracy Day” – but the rare look inside the broadcasting beast may not have quite gone as smoothly as bosses would have hoped.
At New Broadcasting House in London, the BBC News 9am editorial meeting was broadcast live against the backdrop of screens showing its own rolling TV news coverage.
The conference was led by the director of news, James Harding, who quickly got on to the topic of the release of a new Isis video demanding a $200 million ransom in exchange for the safe delivery of two Japanese civilians.
But fans of BBC satire W1A would have been very familiar with the tone of what followed – when the BBC’s own coverage of events flashed up on screens.
“CNN are showing [the story] now – and look, we’re running on it”, deputy director of news Fran Unsworth can be seen saying.
As all hands point to the screens, Harding asks: “What is that there that we are showing? Is that the new video?” Another voice can be heard, now in a tone of shock: “Is that a close-up of a guy brandishing a dagger?”
There’s a pause before one journalist offers a comment to “contextualise” the coverage, then Harding interjects that maybe they should “have a look at that later” – presumably once the cameras have stopped rolling.
Swiftly moving on, he says: “… Ok, shall we just go over the different strands today of what we’re doing for Democracy Day?”
Ah, the perils of live TV – even when you’re the ones making it.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments