BBC on the coverage of Prince Philip’s death: no regrets, but collective complaints worked.
I’m a defender of public service broadcasting and certainly not a de-funder of the BBC. It has its faults-many of them- but also does excellent work, in drama, sport and much else. I’m well aware of the criticisms from the left, mostly accurate. However I’d see in some respects the BBC as the broadcasting equivalent of political democracy. As Churchill noted of that, it’s the worst possible system, except that is for the alternatives.
Ultimately you can always turn off, watch one of the many other channels or even, if you are in England, go down the pub.
Hence I hardly ever complain to the BBC. For a start as with absolutely any bureaucracy if you really want to complain you’ll need to keep at it. Your first attempt will simply be rebuffed, usually politely.
The standard response by the BBC to its Prince Philip coverage on 9th April (below) is an example. However on this occasion there was a point in complaining. Over 100,000 did and as a result the BBC’s coverage of the Duke’s funeral will, appropriately, be more measured.
The point being as often that if enough people collectively do something it will in the end make a difference…
Thank you for registering a complaint.
The passing of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was a significant event which generated a lot of interest both nationally and internationally.
We acknowledge your complaint about the level of coverage, particularly in relation to the BBC News Special simultaneously broadcasting on BBC One and Two on Friday 9 April. We do not make such changes to billed schedules without careful consideration.
The decisions made reflect the role the BBC plays as the national broadcaster, during moments of national significance.
We are grateful for your feedback, and we always listen to the response from our audiences.
BBC Complaints Team
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