BBC Breakfast hits back at viewers after string of complaints about new set
BBC Breakfast has hit back at fans after they were left reeling over the morning show’s brand new studio set.
The popular BBC programme unveiled its brand new purpose built set last week however it led to an unexpected backlash from viewers.
Fans were left unhappy at the studio, located in Salford, and were quick to air their complaints online.
Not lying down, the BBC addressed the furore live on air as they defended the brand new set.
Presenter Samira Ahmed addressed the backlash during Saturday’s edition of News Watch.
Samira said: “It’s moved to a new, much larger, state-of-the-art studio which it will share with BBC Sport at their joint base in Salford.
“There are seven cameras, three more than in the old studio and new branding. The famous red sofa remains but the main presenters now don’t spend all their time sitting down on it.”
She did not stop there as she proceeded to read a series of comments from fans who had highlighted their issues with the set as she tried to offer perspective on where the BBC were coming from.
Samira added: “Lorraine Alison wondered about the thinking behind that last move, asking, ‘Why have presenters taken to standing as they present the news?
“I don’t mind this, but when they stand with their hand in their pocket it looks very unprofessional, Please don’t let your standards drop.”
She continued: “Angles and perspective are all wrong. The colours are far too dominant. The set is a distraction to whatever is being discussed. Why is it better to have a presenter standing up than sitting down?”
The upset forced the BBC to issue a direct statement which it handed to Samira to read aloud on her programme.
Design director Peter Day spoke on behalf of the corporation as his statement said: “There’s much more space now.
“It’s light and airy, and there are design features that will feel familiar to audiences from our revamped Studio B in London, home to our main One Six and Ten news bulletins like the large catwalk screen and towers.
“They help us to tell the stories in different and more impactful ways- we’re trying to get away from static presenters sat behind desks.”
BBC Breakfast is regularly presented by Sally Nugent and Jon Kay on Monday-Wednesday who debuted their new ‘home’ to fans last week.
Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt hold the fort between Thursdays and Saturdays with an onslaught of guest hosts covering on Sundays including regular face Nina Warhurst as well as Roger Johnson.