Complaints against Have I Got News For You rejected

The BBC watchdog has rejected complaints that the Have I Got News For You special bidding farewell to Boris Johnson was biased against him.

Right-wing newspapers were furious with the episode, which aired last month, with the Daily Express reporting that ‘viewers were left furious and slammed the episode for being "biased" and "one-sided".’

Meanwhile, The Mail on Sunday complained about the ‘relentless barrage of highly personal attacks’ and 'spiteful and crass insults'  – including a description of the former Prime Minister as a ‘cosmic cunt’.

Nevertheless, just three viewers complained to the Corporation’s Executive Complaints Unit.

As well as claiming bias, they took issue with the profanity directed at Johnson, saying it raising issues of ‘harm and offence’.

The watchdog has today published its ruling into the complaints, saying: ‘Given the satirical nature of Have I Got News For You, its post-watershed scheduling, and the fact a warning had preceded the programme, the ECU took the view the language used did not have the potential to cause widespread offence.

‘The issues the programme raised had all made headline news and the ECU did not agree it was biased against Mr Johnson to allude to them.

‘The BBC’s commitment to "due impartiality" means context, including subject matter and audience expectation, needs be taken into account.

‘The programme was broadcast to mark Boris Johnson’s departure as Prime Minister under controversial circumstances and in the ECU’s view audiences were unlikely to turn to a satirical panel show for direction in forming their political opinion. As a result the ECU found no breach of the BBC’s obligations on impartiality.’

What the report did not say is that when host Jack Dee called Johnson the C-bomb, he was quoting a Cabinet Minister.

•  Gary Neville is to guest host Have I Got News For You for the first time next week, it has been announced. The  Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United footballer will be joined by comedian Maisie Adam and presenter Richard Madeley.  Neville said: 'I’m petrified, thrilled, and everything in-between to announce that I’ll be hosting HIGNFY next week, something I’ve never done before and a massive step out of my comfort zone but I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s one of my favourite shows and it couldn’t be a more bizarre time in UK politics.'

Published: 27 Oct 2022