The BBC discontinues high-risk live broadcasts.
The BBC has taken significant steps to address the fallout from a controversial performance by Bob Vylan at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2025. The incident, which saw the musician leading festivalgoers in chants referencing the Israeli Defense Forces, sparked widespread criticism and was deemed antisemitic and unacceptable by the BBC.
In the aftermath, the broadcaster halted live broadcasts or streams of musical performances deemed "high risk." Bob Vylan's set was mistakenly broadcast, prompting an immediate apology from the BBC, particularly addressing the Jewish community. The apology described the broadcast as "offensive and deplorable behavior" related to antisemitism.
Lorna Clarke, the BBC's Director of Music, temporarily stepped aside while an internal investigation takes place. The UK Government and Culture Secretary have called for more stringent practices from the BBC, echoing sentiments from media regulators and the public.
The performance drew backlash due to the chants of "Death to the IDF," which the BBC classified as a "high-risk" act after a risk assessment process, alongside six other performers. The incident highlights the challenge of balancing artistic freedom with editorial responsibility in live broadcast settings.
In response, the BBC will no longer air live or stream any act labeled as high risk. The broadcaster has also committed to full accountability and tighter oversight of future coverage. To ensure proper oversight, the BBC will place editorial policy staff on-site at large-scale events. Clearer protocols for cutting or delaying live feeds when needed will also be issued.
The chairman, Samir Shah, described the broadcast decision as an undeniable error in judgment. Tim Davie, the Director-General of the BBC, reaffirmed that antisemitism has no place in BBC content. Internationally, Bob Vylan faced consequences such as revoked U.S. visas, festival cancellations, and removal from agency rosters.
The BBC's decision to tighten its live streaming protocols reflects its commitment to preventing hate speech and maintaining its anti-violence policy during live events. The broadcaster aims to learn from this incident and ensure a more responsible approach to live event coverage in the future.
- The BBC has decided to no longer air or stream any act labeled as high risk, in response to the backlash caused by Bob Vylan's Glastonbury Festival performance.
- To ensure proper oversight, the BBC will place editorial policy staff on-site at large-scale events in the future.
- The incident has highlighted the challenge of balancing artistic freedom with editorial responsibility in live broadcast settings.
- Clearer protocols for cutting or delaying live feeds when necessary will also be issued by the BBC, as part of their commitment to preventing hate speech and maintaining their anti-violence policy during live events.
