After clamoring for weeks for an update on Kate Middleton’s health, it appears BBC viewers have had enough.
Recently, BBC acknowledged and responded to complaints that its coverage of Middleton’s cancer diagnosis was too much for some viewers.
The speculation into the Princess of Wales’ health started in January when it was she had abdominal surgery. From there, theories into her health conditions ran rampant. Then, in March, she announced her cancer diagnosis is a video.
“The BBC said that it ‘received complaints from people who feel our coverage of the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis was excessive and insensitive,’” Variety reported.
The BBC responded by explaining why it felt such coverage was warranted.
“We broadcast in full the highly personal video message from the Princess of Wales, in which she spoke directly to the public about her cancer diagnosis,” BBC said in a statement. “Our coverage reflected the significance of this story and the outpouring of support for the princess from around the globe. We explained to our audience what was known about Catherine’s condition, but did not speculate on details that had not been made public.”
It continued, saying it knew the gravity of the situation to the royal family.
“Our reporting made clear that this is a difficult time for the princess and the rest of the Royal Family; we have been mindful at all times to approach our coverage with sensitivity. As part of our analysis, we examined the intense speculation there had been in the preceding weeks about the princess’s health. We also reported on Catherine’s request for privacy and detailed the statement from Kensington Palace regarding the princess having the right to privacy in relation to her medical issues.”
In the end, the network said it understood how its coverage would not satisfy every viewer.
“We always give careful consideration to the editorial decisions we make. While we have a responsibility to report on stories that are of interest to our audience, we appreciate that not everyone would have approved of the approach we took.”
