BBC Faces Backlash Over Controversial Documentary Host Choice

The BBC has come under fire for its decision to allow presenter Amol Rajan to host the controversial documentary “The Princes and the Press,” despite his previous anti-royal tweets.

Critics have labeled the broadcaster's choice as laughable in its stupidity, questioning the impartiality of the network.

The documentary explores the relationship between Prince Harry, Prince William, and the media, shedding light on the illegal activities conducted by certain newspapers targeting the royal family.

A royal insider, speaking to the Sunday Express, expressed their disappointment with the BBC, stating that the decision to have Rajan host the documentary undermines the network's claim to impartiality.

The insider highlighted Rajan's biased views against the royals, evident through his tweets dating back to 2010 to 2013.

In one tweet, he criticized Prince Charles for lacking intelligence, while another targeted the Duchess of Cambridge for her allegedly fake royal wave.

Rajan also accused his future employers of promoting monarchist propaganda.

In response to the mounting controversy, Rajan, who is also a presenter for Radio 4's Today program, issued an apology for his past commentary.

He expressed regret for his rude and immature remarks, acknowledging that they were offensive.

Rajan emphasized his commitment to impartiality and hoped that viewers would judge the recent programs on their own merits.

However, the BBC's choice of presenter sparked furious reactions from both the public and royal commentators.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams criticized the decision, arguing that an impartial perspective was necessary for such a series.

Similarly, royal expert Dickie Arbiter noted that the documentary failed to provide any new insights and seemed to have a clear agenda.

The public also expressed their outrage on social media, with some calling for the BBC to be defunded due to its perceived lack of impartiality.

Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and Clarence House issued a rare joint statement following the airing of the first episode.

They emphasized the importance of a free and responsible press in a healthy democracy but expressed disappointment when unfounded claims from unnamed sources are presented as facts, including by the BBC.

In defense of their decision, the BBC stated that Rajan's anti-royal tweets and comment articles were made before his time at the network.

They assured the public that once journalists join the BBC, they are expected to leave their past views behind and report in an impartial manner, adhering to the BBC's editorial guidelines.

“The Princes and the Press,” a two-part series investigating the media's role in the lives of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, aired last month.

It delved into the illegal activities conducted by certain newspapers in the late '90s and early 2000s, such as hacking and phone tapping, which targeted members of the royal family and their associates.

However, some viewers criticized the documentary, accusing it of having an anti-Meghan bias and lacking balance.

The controversy surrounding the BBC's choice of presenter has raised questions about the network's commitment to impartiality.

As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the BBC will address these concerns moving forward.