in

Dan Walker blasts BBC over Prince Philip death coverage ahead of big Channel 5 move

Former BBC presenter Dan Walker has criticised the BBC over its coverage of Prince Philip’s death, saying that it effectively “forced grief on a nation”.

The broadcaster cleared its programming schedule and put mirrored, blanket coverage on BB1, BBC2 and its News Channel.

The back-to-back reporting of the royal’s death sparked 110,000 complaints.

Dan, who announced he was leaving the BBC to switch to Channel 5 last month, discussed the coverage on BBC Radio 4’s The Media Show.

He said there needed to be “balance” and added: “You can report on it but you can’t make everybody feel the same way.

Dan Walker has slammed the BBC for its coverage of Prince Philip’s death

“Some people don’t feel that way about the Royal Family. I think that’s important.”

Prince Philip died aged 99 on April 9 2021.

The BBC said its coverage was justified as his death was a “significant event” that generated “lots of interest nationally and internationally”.

Dan, 45, is leaving the BBC after six years at BBC Breakfast. He said it was a “massive decision” but Channel 5 will “bring bigger opportunities”.

Dan has left the BBC after six years

He said on a video posted on Twitter: “I have a little bit of news for you. In the next few weeks, I’m going to be leaving BBC Breakfast and moving to 5 News and to Channel 5.

“But Channel 5 came with big ambitions, with big plans and I don’t think opportunities like this come around very often and I can’t wait.

“I’ve also had the incredible privilege of working on some iconic programmes over the last few years, both at the BBC and elsewhere.

He will be on our screens on Channel 5 from tonight

“And what I love about this deal is I not only get to present the news but also host a whole range of new programmes right across the channel.”

You can see Dan on Channel 5 from tonight at 5pm alongside Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije.

For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk


Tagcloud:

Love Island's Amy Day calls for 'boring' Laura Whitmore to be replaced as ITV host

BBC Breakfast star 'abandons' show as viewers left baffled by lone microphone