Stephen Fry rails against ‘mind-numbingly tedious’ BBC coverage

Comedian Stephen Fry last night branded the BBC’s Diamond Jubilee coverage “mind-numbingly tedious”.

The corporation drew criticism during the Thames pageant, with viewers attacking its “inane” commentary, camera angles and sound quality.

With broadcasters struggling to cope with technical problems caused by the bad weather, including the sound cutting out during musical performances, Fry took to Twitter to single out other aspects of the BBC’s coverage.

He wrote: “Has the BBC ever presented a more mind-numbingly tedious programme in its history? ‘HRH the queen’ said the first ignorant presenter. HRH?”

Kevin Marsh, a former editor of Radio’s 4 Today and World at One programmes, appeared to echo his views, writing: “Am I being over-critical or is the BBC commentary lamentable?”

Other social networkers were equally scathing. One said: “Are the BBC trying to be quaint and ‘British’ with their p*** awful coverage?”

Another appeared to give up on the broadcaster altogether, writing: “I think I have had enough inane BBC commentary”.

Reading East Tory MP Rob Wilson joined the voices of condemnation. He wrote: “Seems we all agree on terrible BBC coverage. Low grade, celebrity driven drivel. How did Beeb get it so wrong?”

But the BBC defended its coverage. A spokesman said: “We’re very proud of the quality and breadth of the BBC’s coverage of this extraordinary event.”