BBC host halts debate minutes into show as viewers slam 'unbearable' commotion outside
The BBC hosted a Prime Ministerial Debate this evening (June 26) as Rishi Sunak, leader of the Conservative Party, and Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party went head-to-head to discuss their manifestos and take on questions from the public.
Presenter Mishal Husain moderated the BBC programme, live from Nottingham, as she tried to stop the politicians from shouting over each other and stepped in to stop things from getting too heated. But as the debate began, viewers at home said that they were "distracted" by inaudible shouting that could be heard from outside the studio.
The muffled shouts and chants continued well into the programme, with those watching at home taking to social media to complain. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), fans hit out at the BBC.
One wrote: "It sounds like there's a f***in' riot outside the #bbcdebate. Break out the horses and tear gas." Another added: "#bbcdebate the shouting has made this debate an unbearable watch!!! Sort it out BBC!!!"
A third social media user said: "Heckler vs politicians vs talking over the host = hard to follow #BBCDebate #GE24."
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The presenter addressed the audience over noise outside (Image: BBC)Someone else wrote: "What is that noise in the background? Must be distracting for both. How did they manage not to sort the sound for something like this? #Election2024 #BBCDebate."
A fourth penned: "The #bbc venue was badly chosen, an echoing hall not good for sound and flimsy walls that let the protest noise filter in. Shambles #bbcdebate."
Meanwhile, someone else complained: "Well, I was going to watch this, but I can’t concentrate on it with the protest noise in the background. Yes, people have a right to protest, but the BBC should have realised this and prepared for it. It's not like I’m voting for either of these, anyway. #BBCdebate."
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Presenter Mishal halted the gentlemen shouting over each other as she put a temporary stop to the debate to explain the reason behind the noise issue.
She said: "If you can hear any noises, ladies and gentlemen, or anyone at home, there is a protest taking place outside. Which is also an aspect of our democracy and people expressing their freedom of speech."
BBC's Prime Ministerial Debate is available to watch on iPlayer.
BBC host halts debate minutes into show as viewers slam 'unbearable' commotion outside
BBC host halts debate minutes into show as viewers slam 'unbearable' commotion outside
BBC host halts debate minutes into show as viewers slam 'unbearable' commotion outside
BBC host halts debate minutes into show as viewers slam 'unbearable' commotion outside
BBC host halts debate minutes into show as viewers slam 'unbearable' commotion outside
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