The BBC have stated they received 109,741 complaints from the public over its coverage of the Duke of Edinburgh’s death.
Prince Philip died on Friday morning, at the age of 99. The BBC stoped all scheduled programs to cover this news as did ITV and channel 4.
Statistics show many viewers turned away as the day wore on, with ITV’s Friday night audience declining by 60% in comparison to the previous week, according to overnight figures.
The list of programs that were stopped included the likes of EastEnders and the MasterChef final which were replaced by the news coverage.
The BBC said it was “a significant event which generated a lot of interest both nationally and internationally”.
It added: “We acknowledge some viewers were unhappy with the level of coverage given, and impact this had on the billed TV and Radio schedules.
“We do not make such changes without careful consideration and the decisions made reflect the role the BBC plays as the national broadcaster, during moments of national significance.
“We are grateful for all feedback, and we always listen to the response from our audiences.
This is the largest amount of complaints the BBC have ever received regarding one topic others that have previously attracted a high volume of correspondence include Jerry Springer: The Opera, which received 63,000 complaints in 2005; and 2008’s Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand’s prank call to actor Andrew Sachs, which drew 42,000 complaints.
For a large number of viewers, replacing the (per-recorded) final of MasterChef with programming that celebrates the life of Prince Philip was the wrong decision. But we wonder how many would have complained if the BBC had done the opposite?
This also brings to light the number of people who still watch traditional ‘liniar’ TV with some 20 million of us still watching at peak times each day keeping the older views entertained during lock-down with younger viewers taking up streaming showing that broadcasting still matters.
Not to forget it is much easier and quicker to complain in this modern time with the use of online complaints forms
Andrew Marr the broadcaster has also made an apology for using a phrase about the Duke of Edinburgh while speaking on the BBC News Channel, which angered some viewers.
The BBC said: “When reflecting on the life of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Andrew Marr gave his analysis of Prince Philip’s role within the monarchy and relationship with the Queen. While doing this, Andrew made a remark which he accepts was poorly phrased, for which he apologises.”
Alison Hammond discussing the dress code, quickly changed the topic after saying ‘awks’ on ‘This Morning’s Morning View’ as guest made a remark about Prince Andrew speaking to the FBI.
The BBC also said it received complaints from viewers who “feel it’s inappropriate for Prince Andrew to feature in our news coverage”.
The corporation responded by saying: “All of Prince Philip’s children gave a tribute to their father following his passing, which we have covered in our news programming.
“We have fully reported on the allegations against Prince Andrew, and we have also made it clear that he has not been charged with any crime. We consider we have appropriately covered his comments.”
Funeral coverage
Prince Philip’s funeral is to be held at St George’s Chapel which is in the grounds of Windsor Castle, at 15:00 BST on Saturday 17 April. The BBC will cover and telivise the procession and funeral and has published its broadcast plans here for its coverage.
They will also devote coverage on BBC One to the funeral between 12:30 BST and 16:20 BST and BBC Two will broadcast a special programme fronted by Huw Edwards at 20:10 GMT.
During the day, BBC Two will air alternative programming such as Saturday Kitchen and Football Focus.
BBC One is also carrying news bulletins either side of the programming, as well as a programme on Saturday morning called The Duke: In His Own Words at 11:00 GMT.
On 16 April, BBC One will show HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Remembered between 19:00 GMT and 20:05 GMT.