The BBC is facing a backlash from its own World Cup experts, with reports saying they are “outraged” by the broadcaster’s recent moves. Eyebrows were raised after the BBC chose not to send experts to North America for this summer’s tournament.
The BBC plans to have staff on the ground in the United States once the knockouts begin, a move that has been called a cost-cutting move and has faced much criticism. But the complaints don’t seem to end there, as critics themselves have taken a stand.
This is according to The Sun, which reports that critics are not keen on the food offerings this summer. The newspaper claims critics are being asked to eat at a Salford eatery instead of being offered takeaway options from nearby restaurants.
A source told the magazine: “The BBC’s cast and production staff are really unhappy. Not only are they fed up with being confined to Salford, they’re being fed the BBC’s company canteen and they’re not doing well.”
“Normally on Match of the Day, food is brought in from chain restaurants such as Nando’s and Wagamama’s. However, as part of creating a team-first atmosphere in Salford, and in an effort to cut costs, the on-air stars, along with the production staff, only get food from the BBC canteen. The food was not the best and there were many complaints.”
While some have criticized the decision to keep experts at home, others say it is a wise move given the controversy surrounding the BBC’s spending. The Beeb director claimed this was a move that would ultimately save taxpayers millions of pounds.
Alex Kay-Jelski said: “It costs millions of dollars to put in probably hundreds of additional people, and that’s before you even build a studio. I don’t think the end product that people are actually getting in their homes is that different.
“If I stood here and said, ‘Everything will be done in a studio in Dallas,’ you would naturally say to me, ‘How can you justify that expense?'” There are still people on the ground. You have critics.
“Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy are there. Various commentators and journalists. I think there’s no problem conveying that sentiment. Would your perspective be much different if these people were sitting in a different place?” I’m very happy now. This is a six-week high-profile tournament. We’re going to get some things wrong and hopefully we’ll get more right. ”
