BBC Chief Tony Hall Apologizes After Staff & Viewer Outrage Over Reporter’s Use Of The N-Word
Jake Kanter International TV EditorBBC director general Tony Hall has apologized 12 days after a reporter used the N-word on-air, prompting outrage from both viewers and the British broadcaster’s employees.Up until Sunday, the BBC had staunchly defended social affairs correspondent Fiona Lamdin’s use of the word in describing a race hate attack, saying it had been signed off by senior editors and was justified by its context.But after receiving 18,656 complaints, staff voicing their concerns on social media, and the resignation of BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter Sideman over the issue, Hall has intervened.In an email to staff today, the director general said: “It should be clear that the BBC’s intention was to highlight an alleged racist attack.