On December 26, the BBC broadcast an exceptional documentary retracing the first twelve months of the reign of King Charles III. Mixing exclusive images behind the scenes and interviews with members of the Firm and eminent personalities, Charles III: The Coronation Year provoked strong reactions. To the point of generating nearly 900 complaints in the space of only four days ! More precisely, between December 26 and 31, 897 complaints were filed by viewers who felt that the show presented a bias in favor of the monarchyaccording to information from Daily Express.
In response to numerous complaints, the BBC claimed that Charles III: The Coronation Year East “a documentary single observationcovering an important historical period during which the king assumed new responsibilities and prepared for the first coronation in this country for 70 years“. The channel then stressed that it intended to keep editorial control of its programs.
Regardless of the remarks, the BBC will maintain its editorial line
In the continuation of its response, the BBC recalled all television programs that had been broadcast in 2023, following the assumption of office of Charles III, who, curiously, did not give rise to any complaints : Panorama on BBC One looked at the structures and finances surrounding the family. On Radio 4, the Today program debated whether the UK needs a monarchy and The World This Weekend discussed thinking about its future.” The message concludes by stating that the BBC will remain steadfast in its commitment to exploring a diversity of perspectives on the monarchywhether you like it or not!
It should be noted, however, that the documentary was not the most criticized event of the year. In fact, it’s not even in the top 10! The coronation itself sparked a significantly higher number of complaints (8,421)attributable in particular to a remark by actress Adjoa Andoh, who judged the balcony of Buckingham Palace to be “terribly white”.
Article written in collaboration with 6Médias.
Photo credits: Agency / Bestimage