BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of 'rightwing backlash

[Nevilledog]

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears


The BBC has decided not to broadcast an episode of Sir David Attenborough’s flagship new series on British wildlife because of fears its themes of the destruction of nature would risk a backlash from Tory politicians and the rightwing press, the Guardian has been told.

The decision has angered the programme-makers and some insiders at the BBC, who fear the corporation has bowed to pressure from lobbying groups with “dinosaurian ways”.

The BBC strongly denied this was the case and insisted the episode in question was never intended for broadcast.

Attenborough’s highly anticipated new series, Wild Isles, looks at the beauty of nature in the British Isles.

Narrated by David Attenborough, it is expected to be a hit, with five episodes scheduled to go out in primetime slots on BBC One.

A sixth episode has also been filmed, which is understood to be a stark look at the losses of nature in the UK and what has caused the declines. It is also understood to include some examples of rewilding, a concept that has been controversial in some rightwing circles.

*snip*

[ananda]

1. Seriously?

It's spreading....

[Hugh_Lebowski]

2. The Stupid, you mean? (nt)

[ananda]

21. Yes, like a kudzu weed.

Uggh

[Deuxcents]

3. "Not intended for broadcast"? Then why make that episode?

If these whiney ass people don’t like something, they don’t want anyone to see or have it. They can always turn the channel n why they are accommodated is beyond me.

[Silent3]

19. If it isn't just bullshit (most likely) it could mean for DVD/Blu-ray only

As a bonus disc, perhaps.

[Deuxcents]

23. Don't buy it. The last of 6 in a series

So only those w/ blu ray or something else can get the conclusion? I believe they relinquished b/c the minority got too loud. Change the channel. No one is forcing people to watch. Don’t wanna read the book., then don’t but those who do should be able to. Don’t like a movie, don’t watch. Pick something else. It’s easy but when we fold for these extreme groups, it’s not for the benefit of everyone..

[Silent3]

25. I'm not trying to convince you of anything

I'm just offering a very unlikely but at least plausible option for why program material could hypothetically be recorded if not intended for broadcast. You sound very agitated with comments like, "Don’t like a movie, don’t watch. Pick something else.".

This wouldn't be like missing the final chapter of a story, by the way. Each episode is likely a stand-alone topic.

[C_U_L8R]

4. Peace I'm our time, eh?

Maybe they should watch some history reruns instead

[RKP5637]

5. Why the hell do people/organizations bend over backwards to these right wing creeps?

This is bullshit!!! Fuck them if they don't like it! Quite being wimps!

[Evolve Dammit]

17. Agreed.

[Bev54]

6. BBC like CBC in Canada gets partial funding from the government

They should not be making decisions based on politics. They need to stay out of the fray.

[canetoad]

16. Correct answer

Also the ABC in Australia. Apparently it costs me 8c per day.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

7. Banning teaching 'Critical Climate Theory' to innocent baby children in US schools is next, watch

It could make them uncomfortable, parents should decide, etc.

[barbtries]

8. so they're rewarded

for their bullshit and bullying. disgusting

reminds me of Katie Couric, years ago when she was still on a big network (i enjoy her vlog fairly often these days), expressing hesitancy to say something because it might be interpreted as "liberal." Even then (don't ask me for the year or even the decade! but it was a while back), the right wing was winning with bullshit.

Liberal is not a dirty word - wasn't then, wasn't now.

remember when Walter Cronkite got his entire Vietnam series aired on national TV? way back when the news was the news and not a revenue stream, and there was a Fairness Doctrine?

/rant off. my hope is on life support today.

[Evolve Dammit]

18. it's not a rant Barb. It is our reality. Look at how NPR and PBS have been neutered and made to find

lots of advertisers just to stay afloat. Or CNN recently being instructed by their CEO for more right-wing "fairness." It is really fucked up. "Liberal media" always was a misnomer and it stuck. Just like "conservative" which is another misnomer. There is NOTHING conservative about today's GOP.

[SouthernDem4ever]

20. There is nothing conservative about right wing media

Last edited Sat Mar 11, 2023, 05:24 PM - Edit history (1)

unless we are going to redefine "conservative" as liars, crooks and deceivers.

[Evolve Dammit]

22. as it should be applied

[OnDoutside]

10. At the same time as taking Gary Lineker off Match of the Day, they bought themselves a LOT of probs.

[Mr. Ected]

11. Show it and let real social debate ensue

Suppress it and truth is quashed.

[Snarkoleptic]

12. This has the feel of adults tiptoeing around petulant children.

And the fascists love to whine about cancel culture, while constantly working on canceling anything they dislike.

[Probatim]

13. Why can't they change the channel?

That's what the whiny twits tell us when we don't like what's the tv/radio.

[wendyb-NC]

14. That's unreal

It's depressing that to hear that. The last episode sounds like the one that should be broadcast far and wide. The right wingers,
lobbyists who have issues, too bad, they are the ones who most need to see and hear it. Though they can skip it, if it offends their sensibilities, it's a free nation.

[bucolic_frolic]

15. The best ideas win by competition, not by suppressing competitor's ideas

[Deuxcents]

24. 100% agree