The BBC has upheld a total of 20 complaints concerning presenter Martine Croxall’s handling of a live script. This incident occurred earlier this year during a segment discussing research related to the risks posed by heatwaves in the UK. Croxall altered the original script, which included the term “pregnant people,” to say “women.”
Background of the Incident
The segment featured data from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and was introduced by Croxall in a live broadcast. Following her introduction, Dr. Malcolm Mistry, an assistant professor at LSHTM, referred to “pregnant women” in his remarks.
Complaints and Reactions
The BBC’s Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) stated that Croxall’s facial expressions during her introduction may have suggested a personal viewpoint concerning current debates around transgender issues. The ECU indicated that her expressions were interpreted by viewers as displaying feelings of disgust, ridicule, contempt, or exasperation.
- 20 complaints were upheld regarding Croxall’s comments.
- The altered phrase from “pregnant people” to “women” drew significant attention.
- Harry Potter author JK Rowling praised Croxall for her comments.
The findings were presented to the management of BBC News and discussed with Croxall and her editorial team. The ECU noted that Croxall was reacting to a script that used terms inconsistent with BBC style guidelines, including “the aged” and “pregnant people.”
Impartiality Standards
The BBC emphasized that regardless of intent, the impression of expressing a personal view on such a controversial matter compromised the network’s standards for impartiality. This was not Croxall’s first breach; in 2022, she faced similar issues concerning her remarks during a newspaper review related to the Conservative leadership contest.
The ECU concluded that Croxall’s unintended behavior fell short of the expectations set for BBC presenters in maintaining neutrality in their reporting. These findings reinforced the need for adherence to impartial standards in broadcasting.
