BBC Breakfast fans were left fuming on Friday morning, as a technical blunder ‘ruined’ the show for them.
Fans of the morning programme in the Midlands were left furious as they received the London regional news during the regular local segment – rather than the news about their own local area.
Viewers begged hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt for an explanation as they sat on the red sofa to present the show.
It came as Naga announced: “28 minutes past seven is the time. Find out what’s happening with news, travel and weather wherever you are this morning, see you soon!”
But those in the Midlands received news from much further south instead, as Victoria Holland picked up the presenting gig for BBC London.
(Image: BBC)
A stream of furious fans flocked to social media to complain about the error, with one ranting: “@BBCBreakfast hi I live in Midlands great to know the Central Tube line has problems LOL, try a different switch!”
Someone else chimed in: “Oh come on @BBCBreakfast now you’re taking the mickey, 3 times this morning the local news and weather for the Midlands has been your London edition. Sort it out!”
“Any chance of getting #BBCWestMidland news?!!” another viewer fumed.
(Image: BBC)
While a fourth claimed it wasn’t the only technical error they had suffered that morning, alleging: “@BBCBreakfast why on earth are we having to watch London news in the Midlands and why was there no sound from 6.20am for over 10 minutes? Poor broadcasting!”
And another fan chuckled: “Cheers for the update on London news during #BBCBreakfast. Only issue is I’m in the West Midlands because someone forgot to switch the signal to Birmingham!”
Viewers watching on BBC iPlayer receive London news by default – but the problem also appeared to be affecting those watching from their TV sets at home.
(Image: BBC)
It comes after “staff shortages” affected regional news segments back in August, as regional news segments for those across the country were completely eradicated.
As the ‘pingdemic’ affected businesses across the country, a BBC spokesperson told Daily Star Online last month: “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.
“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.”
A BBC spokesperson told Daily Star Online: “This was a technical issue that was quickly rectified.”
BBC Breakfast airs from 6am every day on BBC One.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
