Publication date: 15 July 2009
ComplaintWe received complaints from viewers who were unhappy with the commentary during the Michael Jackson Memorial service.
The BBC's Response
We understand the concerns of viewers who were upset by the commentary on the Michael Jackson Memorial event and would like to reassure them that there was no intention to appear insensitive or disrespectful.
This large scale event was arranged by the organisers at short notice and as such proved highly unpredictable to televise with unexpected and unexplained gaps in the event coverage. The commentators were, therefore, coping with an extremely challenging situation and striving to piece together as much information as possible for viewers. We regret it if anyone felt some of their comments appeared misjudged or inappropriate and we hope that this did not detract too much from what was an extraordinarily moving memorial service.
Both Trevor Nelson and Paul Gambaccini are huge fans of Michael Jackson's music and have enormous respect for the legacy he has created.
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