BBC Breakfast fans have been left fuming in recent weeks, after one key element of the show was axed.
But now the BBC have offered an explanation for the mysterious disappearance, blaming “staff shortages” due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The so-called ‘pingdemic’ has been affecting businesses across the country, as employees are ‘pinged’ by track and trace and forced to self-isolate in order to stop the spread of the virus.
It has meant the BBC reassessing their priorities to make way for the “most popular news programme on TV”, the 6:30pm news, which requires their regional presenters to be at the helm.
A BBC spokesperson told Daily Star Online: “Like employers in every area of the economy, we’re experiencing staffing shortages caused by Covid. Apart from a few exceptions, we have maintained a normal service so far.
(Image: BBC)
“Our priority is to protect the most popular news programme on TV; the regional news at 6:30pm on BBC One. To do this, we have implemented some short-term measures to ease pressure on our teams.”
The ‘short-term’ nature of the measures means the regional bulletins will likely return by the end of the year, so fans can look forward to getting updates on their own areas again soon enough.
Viewers initially noticed the regional news segment of the morning programme was conspicuously missing from their telly screens in the morning, instead replaced with more time on the red sofa with Louise Minchin and Jon Kay.
(Image: BBC)
Usually the studio cuts to regional broadcasts, tailored to the part of the country viewers are in.
For those watching on iPlayer, the London regional news will play instead.
But fans have been left fuming by the bulletins’ absence.
(Image: BBC)
Taking to Twitter, swathes of loyal fans were up in arms, as one posted: “@BBCBreakfast why aren’t you showing regional news, travel and weather bulletins?
“These were vital, and were always a feature of the Breakfast programme. Cost-cutting? Or just a lack of interest?”
Another fumed on Tuesday: “#BBCBreakfast what have you done to the format? Why is Carol on at 7.30? Where is my local news? Will be turning into something else if it stays like this! NOT GOOD. Love Carol but not happy with the changes!”
“So you’ve axed the local news and weather reports? No point in me watching then. Cheerio!” someone else ranted.
While a fourth viewer penned: “@BBCBreakfast why no local news anymore? I’m not bothered about weather every 30 mins! I need local news and travel!!”
BBC Breakfast airs from 6am every day on BBC One.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
