BBC music director ‘steps back from duties’ over Bob Vylan broadcast
The BBC executive overseeing Glastonbury coverage is understood to have stepped back from day-to-day duties as the broadcaster launched an internal investigation into a live-streamed set by punk duo Bob Vylan.
Lorna Clarke, the BBC’s Director of Music, was among a small number of senior staff who stepped aside on Thursday following backlash over the live broadcast.
Despite being classified as “high risk” by the corporation, the set went out live on BBC platforms.
The incident, which saw frontman Pascal Robinson-Foster chant “death to the IDF” during the performance, has drawn outrage from viewers, politicians, and Jewish organisations.
BBC chairman Samir Shah issued a strong public apology, stating: “I’d like first of all to apologise to all our viewers and listeners and particularly the Jewish community for allowing the ‘artist’ Bob Vylan to express unconscionable antisemitic views live on the BBC.”
“This was unquestionably an error of judgment,” Shah added. “I was very pleased to note that as soon as this came to the notice of Tim Davie -who was on the Glastonbury site at the time visiting BBC staff -he took immediate action and instructed the team to withdraw the performance from on-demand coverage.”
Shah confirmed the board met on Tuesday to discuss the incident and said that “the executive have agreed to put in place a set of strengthened editorial practices and policies for live music programming. These will be important measures to safeguard future live broadcasts from a failure such as this.”
“I am satisfied that the executive is initiating a process to ensure proper accountability for those found to be responsible for the failings in this incident,” Shah continued.
“While it is important that the process is carried out fairly and correctly, it is equally important that the executive takes decisive action. The board fully supports the director-general and the swift actions taken by him and his team to identify these errors and address them.”
Tim Davie, the BBC’s Director-General, echoed those sentiments: “I deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to say sorry.”
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A BBC spokeswoman explained the rationale behind the original broadcast: “A decision was taken that compliance risks could be mitigated in real time on the livestream -through the use of language or content warnings – without the need for a delay. This was clearly not the case.”
“During the performance, the livestream was monitored in line with the agreed compliance protocols and a number of issues were escalated. Warnings appeared on the stream on two occasions and the editorial team took the decision not to cut the feed,” she added.
The broadcaster said it “deeply regretted” what aired and added: “We want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC.”
Clarke’s current portfolio includes overseeing six radio networks and live music programming.
A BBC insider described the situation as involving “potential errors of judgment” in “fast-moving, challenging circumstances.”
In the wake of the controversy, the BBC announced it would no longer live-stream acts deemed “high risk.” Bob Vylan were one of seven acts placed in that category ahead of the festival.
Avon and Somerset Police have now launched an investigation into the onstage comments.
It has also emerged that the group is also being investigated by the Met Police for comments made during a north London concert in May. Video footage from that event shows Robinson-Foster declaring: “Death to every single IDF soldier out there.”
Bob Vylan responded on Tuesday, claiming they were being “targeted for speaking up.”
The Glastonbury set was immediately followed by a scheduled appearance by Belfast rap group Kneecap, which the BBC opted not to air.
One of the group’s members is currently facing a terrorism charge related to allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag, which he denies.
A BBC spokesman told GB News: “We would urge people not to speculate, particularly in relation to any individuals.”