BBC BREAKFAST HIT WITH 106 COMPLAINTS OVER ‘IRRESPONSIBLE’ GTA 6 TRAILER — VIEWERS FUME OVER VIOLENT GAME PROMOTION AT BREAKFAST TIME

BBC Breakfast has come under fire after more than 100 viewers complained to Ofcom over a segment featuring the trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6.

The BBC morning programme received a total of 106 complaints relating to the segment, which aired on August 28.

 

According to Ofcom, the complaints concerned the view that it was “irresponsible to broadcast the trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6.”

The controversy centred on the fact that the trailer for the highly anticipated game was shown during a breakfast-time programme, when children could potentially have been watching.

106 COMPLAINTS OVER GTA 6

Grand Theft Auto 6 is the latest instalment in the hugely popular video game franchise, which is known for its violent and mature content.

The BBC Breakfast segment featured the game’s trailer, prompting viewers to raise concerns about its suitability for the programme’s morning audience.

Ofcom subsequently recorded 106 complaints linked to the broadcast.

The backlash adds to a period of significant change for BBC Breakfast, which has already faced criticism over its revamped on-screen presentation.

VIEWERS UNHAPPY WITH NEW LOOK

The programme recently introduced a new studio look and updated branding, including a blue backdrop featuring an orange sunrise behind the BBC Breakfast logo.

A new headline banner was also introduced along the bottom of the screen and remained throughout the programme, alongside larger captions during news reports.

Some viewers quickly complained that the new graphics were distracting and made it harder to focus on the presenters.

One viewer wrote: “Really don’t like this new headlines banner along the bottom of the screen.

“It’s distracting and I’m not concentrating on what Sally and Ben are saying. I expect this on the news channels but not on Breakfast. Horrible!”

Another criticised the updated colour scheme, writing: “What is that colour scheme. Bring back the red and white.”

NAGA MUNCHETTY’S EXIT

The changes come during a wider period of upheaval for the long-running programme.

Earlier this summer, it was announced that longtime BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty would be leaving the show after joining in 2009.

Naga is moving to BBC Radio 5 Live, where she will take over the Breakfast programme in January.

Her move follows the planned departure of current 5 Live Breakfast hosts Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards, who are stepping down in December.

With the show already navigating a major refresh on screen and changes to its presenting line-up, the 106 complaints over the GTA 6 trailer have added another unwanted talking point for BBC Breakfast.