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Last-minute BBC Two schedule changes go unexplained on air


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The news of the death of the Pope highlights why the BBC was right to move to attempt to standardise its Bank Holiday news schedule.

The announcement came at 9am during Breakfast which was being shown on BBC One as normal.

VIDEO: BBC Breakfast announces the death of Pope Francis. Presenters: Ben Thompson and Sally Nugent. TX DATE: 21st April 2025. COPYRIGHT: BBC.

The three main bulletins of the day were scheduled as normal for 1pm, 6pm and 10pm although the planned durations were shorter.

This means viewers were left in no doubt about where to find the news.

Simply extending the 1pm and 10pm bulletins in response to today’s news proved a relatively straightforward matter, albeit one with implications for the rest of the afternoon and evening schedule. 

The decision was taken not to extend the 6pm bulletin. 

Audiences turn to the BBC for major stories. Eccentric scheduling on Bank Holidays is an anachronism.

Even Easter Monday is not a holiday in every town and city in the UK.

Personally I feel the time has come to plan for normal news durations on Bank Holidays too.

Both BBC News and the scheduling team deserve praise for their work today.

However, sadly, an inadequacy in Presentation has to be highlighted too.

The morning schedule on both main BBC channels was disrupted.

Initially BBC One stayed with the News and the planned daytime programmes were shifted to Two.

VIDEO: BBC One broadcasts a BBC News Special at 9.30am covering the news of the death of Pope Francis. Announcer: Delroy Haynes. Presenter: Lewis Vaughan Jones. TX DATE: 21st April 2025. COPYRIGHT: BBC.

Later BBC Two stopped planned snooker coverage to carry the BBC News channel.

Where was the announcer on Two to carry viewers through these changes?

There is no live continuity on BBC Two network in the mornings and afternoons.

VIDEO: BBC Two exits its scheduled simulcast of the BBC News channel without explanation and links into the next programme (Rip-Off Britain – moved across from BBC One) with a generic, pre-recorded “This Is BBC Two” announcement. Announcer: Dean Lydiate. TX DATE: 21st April 2025. COPYRIGHT: BBC.
VIDEO: no explanation for the schedule changes on BBC Two during the 10.15am junction either – and again, simply a generic, pre-recorded “This Is Two” link into Dr Xand’s Con or Cure (moved across from BBC One). Announcer: Dean Lydiate. TX DATE: 21st April 2025. COPYRIGHT: BBC.
VIDEO: another schedule change for BBC Two at 10.45am and again no explanation during the junction – and just the same generic, pre-recorded “This Is Two” link into a BBC News Special (continued from BBC One). Announcer: Dean Lydiate. TX DATE: 21st April 2025. COPYRIGHT: BBC.

To be fair, normally this would be a waste of money. BBC Two generally carries the BBC News channel until 12.15pm.

But surely arrangements can be made to ensure someone, say the BBC One announcer, is available to record new links whenever there is an unexpected schedule change?

Otherwise there is little point in having a live announcer at any time.

The live announcer should be considered an essential part of the DNA of a major, reactive channel.

The whole point of continuity is to guide viewers through the schedule – planned or unexpected. 

This morning’s lack of info to BBC Two viewers should serve as a warning.

Arrangements for emergencies need improved. 

Acknowledgements

FEATURE IMAGE:

PICTURED: Ben Thompson and Sally Nugent break the news of the death of Pope Francis on BBC Breakfast. COPYRIGHT: BBC.