This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/oct/20/bbc-lily-allen-f-word-big-weekend-fuck

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
BBC: airing Lily Allen F-words was ‘a mistake’ BBC: airing Lily Allen F-words was ‘a mistake’
(35 minutes later)
The BBC has admitted it was a mistake to broadcast a Lily Allen gig live on Radio 1 in the early evening after the singer said “fuck” six times during the station’s Big Weekend concert.The BBC has admitted it was a mistake to broadcast a Lily Allen gig live on Radio 1 in the early evening after the singer said “fuck” six times during the station’s Big Weekend concert.
Media regulator Ofcom said the show, in which Ed Sheeran also swore, breached broadcasting regulations despite multiple warnings and apologies put out by Radio 1.Media regulator Ofcom said the show, in which Ed Sheeran also swore, breached broadcasting regulations despite multiple warnings and apologies put out by Radio 1.
Allen, no stranger to explicit lyrics in her songs, said “fuck” six times in 11 songs during her 45-minute set, broadcast from Glasgow on 24 May this year. Allen’s performance was aired between 5.30pm and 6.15pm. Sheeran, who performed after Allen, also swore.Allen, no stranger to explicit lyrics in her songs, said “fuck” six times in 11 songs during her 45-minute set, broadcast from Glasgow on 24 May this year. Allen’s performance was aired between 5.30pm and 6.15pm. Sheeran, who performed after Allen, also swore.
Both singers’ appearances were preceded by warnings by presenter Scott Mills who told listeners: “Now don’t forget this set may contain some strong language, it is live on Radio 1’s Big Weekend.Both singers’ appearances were preceded by warnings by presenter Scott Mills who told listeners: “Now don’t forget this set may contain some strong language, it is live on Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
“We’re about to see Lily Allen. If you’re easily offended, please go to the website and check out some other performance.”“We’re about to see Lily Allen. If you’re easily offended, please go to the website and check out some other performance.”
Ofcom, which received three complaints, said the BBC had admitted in retrospect it should have pulled the plug on Allen after she swore during her second song and “only broadcast the remainder of her performance once it had been edited”.Ofcom, which received three complaints, said the BBC had admitted in retrospect it should have pulled the plug on Allen after she swore during her second song and “only broadcast the remainder of her performance once it had been edited”.
The BBC said it had at “two points” considered cutting away but a senior producer had decided to continue with the live broadcast for “various reasons”, including the belief that few children would be listening.The BBC said it had at “two points” considered cutting away but a senior producer had decided to continue with the live broadcast for “various reasons”, including the belief that few children would be listening.
The BBC said it took offensive language “extremely seriously”, but said there was a “strong argument for providing listeners unable to attend in person with the opportunity to enjoy an ‘as-live’ atmosphere that mirrored the experience of actually being at the event as closely as possible”.The BBC said it took offensive language “extremely seriously”, but said there was a “strong argument for providing listeners unable to attend in person with the opportunity to enjoy an ‘as-live’ atmosphere that mirrored the experience of actually being at the event as closely as possible”.
It said all performers were told before the event: “Please remember there can be no swearing during your set as your performance is being broadcast live.”It said all performers were told before the event: “Please remember there can be no swearing during your set as your performance is being broadcast live.”
Ofcom said Radio 1 breached broadcasting regulations and said a “careful balance” had to be struck between freedom of expression and offensive content.Ofcom said Radio 1 breached broadcasting regulations and said a “careful balance” had to be struck between freedom of expression and offensive content.
The regulator said Allen’s material was “well known” and her use of strong language “well established”.The regulator said Allen’s material was “well known” and her use of strong language “well established”.
It said Radio 1 had plenty of experience in this area after the Black Eyed Peas swore during the Radio 1 Big Weekend in Carlisle in 2011.It said Radio 1 had plenty of experience in this area after the Black Eyed Peas swore during the Radio 1 Big Weekend in Carlisle in 2011.
The broadcast was also found to be in breach by the BBC Trust’s editorial standards committee.
A Radio 1 spokesman said: “We note the findings of Ofcom and the trust; we have examined our procedures and tightened them accordingly.”
• To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email media@theguardian.com or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly “for publication”.• To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email media@theguardian.com or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly “for publication”.
• To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook.• To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook.