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BBC asks senior music team to ‘step back’ from daily duties after Glastonbury row


 

What happened?

  • During the Glastonbury Festival, the BBC broadcasted live the performance of punk-rap duo Bob Vylan.

  • During the set, the lead singer shouted the chant “Death to the IDF”, which was widely viewed as antisemitic.

  • Although warnings appeared on-screen, the BBC did not cut the live feed during the chants.


Internal consequences

  • Lorna Clarke, BBC’s Head of Music, along with several senior members of the music and events team, were asked to step back from daily duties while an investigation is conducted.

  • This move is aimed at ensuring accountability and clarifying editorial responsibility.


Actions by the BBC

  • The BBC issued a public apology, especially to the Jewish community, calling the broadcast an "error in judgment."

  • The broadcaster pledged to stop live broadcasting “high-risk” performances in the future and to strengthen editorial policies for live events.


Political and regulatory reactions

  • UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called it a leadership failure and demanded better accountability.

  • The Culture, Media and Sport Committee sent a formal letter to BBC Director-General Tim Davie asking for explanations.

  • The UK broadcasting regulator Ofcom expressed serious concerns over the editorial lapse.


Summary

IssueResponse
Antisemitic chants aired livePublic apology by BBC
AccountabilitySenior music team stepping back
Editorial policyBan on live broadcasts of high-risk acts
OversightParliamentary inquiry and regulator involvement

Conclusion:

This incident exposed weaknesses in the BBC’s editorial controls over live musical broadcasts. The stepping aside of senior staff and the new policies reflect a commitment to reform and prevent similar issues.

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