Live broadcasting of "risky" performances by BBC ceases following the controversy surrounding Bob Vylan at Glastonbury.
In the aftermath of the controversy surrounding Bob Vylan's Glastonbury performance, where the punk-rap duo led chants against the Israel Defence Forces, the BBC has announced significant changes to its policies regarding the live broadcast or streaming of "high risk" performances.
The key changes include:
1. **The BBC will no longer broadcast or stream live any performances deemed "high risk."** Previously, some high-risk acts were live-streamed with real-time "language or content warnings," but this approach has been abandoned as it proved insufficient.
2. **There will be on-site Editorial Policy support at major music festivals and events** to improve compliance processes and provide quicker, practical guidance to those managing live streams.
3. **More detailed guidelines will be provided on when to withdraw a live stream** if compliance risks arise during the performance.
The BBC acknowledged "errors were made" both before and during Bob Vylan's appearance, and Director-General Tim Davie apologised to audiences, particularly to Jewish colleagues and the Jewish community, emphasising that antisemitism has no place at the BBC. The broadcaster is taking accountability seriously, with internal processes underway to address those responsible for the failings related to this broadcast incident.
The new policies prioritise **preventing live airing of potentially problematic performances** by completely avoiding live broadcasts of "high risk" acts and strengthening editorial oversight on-site to ensure better control and compliance during live music events.
Following the incident, Avon and Somerset Police are investigating Bob Vylan's on-stage comments at Glastonbury, and London's Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into their previous gig. The BBC has also suggested that action could be taken against staff who failed to pull the plug on Bob Vylan.
The decision comes after Bob Vylan's Glastonbury gig, and their US visas have been revoked, preventing their tour from going ahead, and they have been pulled from other upcoming performances. Despite these challenges, Bob Vylan's music, a social and political commentary about modern Britain, race, capitalism, and global politics, continues to resonate.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has expressed dissatisfaction with the BBC's response to her questions about the incident and has requested more information. As the BBC implements these new policies, it remains to be seen how they will navigate the complexities of balancing free speech with responsibility in future live broadcasts.
[1] BBC News, "BBC to stop live streaming 'high risk' acts after Glastonbury controversy," 14 July 2021,
- The new BBC policies aim to prevent the live airing of potential conflicts, such as those involving sanctions or political comments, considering the controversy surrounding Bob Vylan's Glastonbury performance.
- In light of the repercussions from Bob Vylan's Glastonbury performance, entertainment events may now face increased scrutiny and potential restrictions, due to the new BBC policies prohibiting the live broadcast or streaming of performances deemed high risk.
