BBC Breakfast viewers have slammed the show over its coverage of Liam Payne’s funeral
Liam Payne: BBC News viewers unhappy with funeral coverage
BBC Breakfast has come into the firing line as viewers criticised the broadcaster’s coverage of Liam Payne’s funeral.
On BBC Breakfast on Saturday morning, November 23, anchors Charlie Stayt and Sarah Campbell transitioned to Samira Ahmed for the latest episode of Newswatch.
The widely watched slot, which allows audience members to express their critique of BBC News’ editorial choices, tackled numerous discussions this weekend, including Victoria Derbyshire’s challenging interview with Jeremy Clarkson.
Yet a separate bone of contention centred around BBC News’s handling of One Direction star Liam’s funeral service reporting which seemed to infringe upon the mourning family’s wishes for privacy.
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In an earlier piece broadcast this week, music journalist Mark Savage reported from outside the religious venue, revealing which attendees had shown up while also mentioning the family had requested BBC “to keep the location private”, reports the Express.
However, eagle-eyed viewers didn’t miss that the report, on airing, revealed Buckinghamshire as the location along with sequences showing attendees entering the church and a clearly identifiable church sign being present in the footage.
One disgruntled viewer penned a complaint to Newswatch regarding Mark’s story, remarking: “He clearly stated that the location, at the request of the family, was to remain a secret, yet then cuts to an image of former bandmates arriving in front of the church sign with the name of the church on it.”
One viewer voiced their annoyance on the phone-in segment of the show, insisting it would be no challenge to pinpoint the church’s location. She wrapped up her point with a disgruntled remark: “I don’t think you’re doing what you say you are doing”.
At the same time, another viewer was unimpressed, voicing concerns that the funeral coverage, intended to remain private, ended up feeling overly invasive.
Addressing the complaints, BBC News put forth a comment which was read out by presenter Samira. The statement clarified: “Liam’s sudden death was a significant news story with large audience interest. We liaised closely with the family to ensure our coverage was sensitive and respected their wishes.”
In the wake of Liam’s tragic demise, his relatives shared their deep sorrow in a heartfelt post: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.”
Liam became a celebrated figure on the international music scene as a member of One Direction, a group that got its break on ITV’s The X Factor. Sadly, at just 31 years old, he died last month following a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One.
