BBC Removes Episode of Have I Got News For You Over Accuracy Issue

An episode of the long-running quiz show Have I Got News For You has been taken down from BBC iPlayer due to an editorial error involving inaccurate claims about the government’s digital ID card initiative. The segment, hosted by Victoria Coren Mitchell, incorrectly stated that the company Multiverse had been selected to manage the development of the digital ID cards.

In the controversial segment, Coren Mitchell posed a question regarding who would benefit from the government’s digital ID scheme. She mentioned Multiverse, speculating that it was founded by Euan Blair, the son of former Prime Minister Tony Blair. However, this claim has since been disproven. The fact-checking organization FullFact confirmed that Multiverse is not involved in developing software for this project, but rather operates as an upskilling company. Additionally, the government has yet to announce any partners for the digital ID card initiative.

BBC’s Response and Apology

In response to the misinformation, a spokesperson for the BBC stated, “This week’s Have I Got News For You contained an inaccurate story about Euan Blair’s company, Multiverse, being chosen to develop the government’s contract to produce digital ID cards. Multiverse is not a software developer and there is no evidence of any involvement in the proposed digital ID scheme.” The BBC has since decided to remove the episode while they edit the misleading information, offering apologies for the “unintentional editorial oversight.”

Coren Mitchell acknowledged the mistake on social media platform X, clarifying, “Meanwhile, if you see a clip of me saying the ID card contract has gone to Tony Blair’s son: it hasn’t. That was something I was given to ask about last night, but turns out to be incorrect. Which is bad news for the fact checkers but good news for social mobility.”

Impact on Viewers and Future Broadcasts

The incident highlights the challenges faced by news and entertainment programs in ensuring accuracy amidst the fast-paced nature of current affairs. As viewers increasingly rely on platforms like BBC iPlayer for news and entertainment, the importance of presenting verified information cannot be overstated.

Have I Got News For You remains a popular show, known for its satirical take on political events and current affairs. While it continues to engage audiences, the BBC’s decision to remove this episode underscores a commitment to maintaining editorial integrity.

For those interested in the series, episodes are still available for catch-up viewing on BBC iPlayer. The BBC encourages viewers to remain informed and engaged as they navigate the complexities of contemporary issues through programming that aims to deliver both entertainment and insight.