A BBC spokeswoman said the incident happened when two hours of Whiley’s usual three-hour show had to be pre-recorded, because the presenter was attending the opening by the Queen of the new Broadcasting House.
However, listeners were not informed that part of the show was pre-recorded.
“The show is always live,” the spokeswoman said. “This was an exceptional occasion.”
The BBC said the fact that the competition was pre-recorded did not mean that Whiley knew the winner was faked, as listeners telephoned Radio 1 all the time and one of them could have been asked to participate in the pre-record.
How plausible is: “…listeners telephone Radio 1 all the time and one of them could have been asked to participate”? It doesn’t say much for Jo Whiley that she didn’t think to at least ask the obvious question: how can a pre-recorded show feature a listener live on air?
The BBC spokeswoman confirmed that “more than two” staff members had been disciplined, although would not say whether they had been sacked.
It is thought their punishment is stronger than that meted out to other staff involved in previous fakery scandals because they did not come forward during the BBC’s trawl for audience deceptions.
“It didn’t come to light in the last trawl because no one told us about it,” the spokeswoman said. “We take that seriously.”
In other words: We’re afraid there’s a lot more could come out, and we’ll clobber you if it does, got that?
Perhaps we need an amnesty for BBC whistleblowers so that we tellytaxpayers can be sure nothing is being withheld that would otherwise come out…
Thank you to Biased BBC reader Gareth for the link.
Audiocall >The broadcast specialists > Compelling content
“Audiocall has handled some of the biggest audience participation events in broadcast history, from major votes for Strictly Come Dancing and Sports Personality of the Year, to popular competitions on Saturday Kitchen”
http://www.bbcworldwide.com/audiocall/broadcast.htm
Perhaps the Directors of Audiocall should consult their lawyers about all the text votes its been organising?
It could refer to its own regulatory page
“Audiocall acts as a key advisory bureau within the industry and consults regularly with ICSTIS. We will provide you with pre-campaign advice, giving you peace of mind that your service won’t breach the relevant laws.”
Then again, maybe that wouldn’t go down to well with the BBC. After all, Audiocall is part of BBC Worldwide, a wholly owned subsidiary of the BBC
Does this mean it’s ok for me to fake my licence-fee payment?