BBC defends Mandela death coverage: 'Most significant statesman of the last 100 years'
The BBC has defended its coverage following the death of Nelson Mandela after receiving more than 1000 complaints.The complaints centred around the interruption of an episode of ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’, and the impact of the worst storm surge in 60 years, which many said had been sidelined."Firstly, I'm sorry if there are people who felt as though we didn't inform them fully of what was happening in the weather,” BBC News director James Harding told watchdog programme ‘Newswatch’. "In addition to that, there's a lot of news that's rolling, you're seeing President Obama come out and make comments, David Cameron comes out to make comments. The BBC, and only the BBC, managed to get former president FW de Klerk."But we are probably talking about the most significant statesman of the last 100 years and a man who has defined freedom, justice, reconciliation, forgiveness."Mr Mandela passed away last week.
The BBC interrupted normal programmes and extended its bulletin
BBC receives 1,350 complaints for 'excessive' Mandela coverage'-some angry at interruption of 'Mrs Brown's Boys' http://t.co/Q6m5IKDwuj
— Sonjah Stanley Niaah (@CultureDoctor) December 9, 2013Not usually shocked by the 'public' but am at complaints about a repeat of Mrs Browns Boys being stopped to announce Mandela death.
— Justin Moorhouse (@justinmoorhouse) December 9, 2013
Hundreds complain after BBC interrupts 'Mrs Brown’s Boys' for Mandela death announcement | BreakingNews.ie http://t.co/UIRpVV3rkC
— Lenny Henry (@ITISLENNYHENRY) December 9, 2013
Enraged the BBC cut Mrs Brown's Boys for a Nelson Mandela newsflash? Here is a summary of the vital final 12 minutes http://t.co/zImhFbmDdQ
— The Guardian (@guardian) December 9, 2013