BBC2 Racing Legends - Colin McRae - 28/12/12

[bt52b]

A bit of speculation here:
BBC withdraws McRae tribute programme | World Rally Fever
But it makes the point that given the current climate around child protection, and the fact that two children died by McRae's actions, it's quite likely some in the BBC thought it inappropriate to be broadcasting a tribute to him.

Pretty nasty idle speculation

[Russ]

I cannot see what problem the BBC have with the Colin McRae tribute. If they go on like this we will never get any programmes about our heros at all, there will always be something in their profile that could upset someone, somewhare.
Another of my heros was Graham Hill, but he was flying the plane that crashed and killed several of his team, will he be wiped from the BBC playlist as well?

[Mintexmemory]

I cannot see what problem the BBC have with the Colin McRae tribute. If they go on like this we will never get any programmes about our heros at all, there will always be something in their profile that could upset someone, somewhare.
Another of my heros was Graham Hill, but he was flying the plane that crashed and killed several of his team, will he be wiped from the BBC playlist as well?

Fundamental difference Hill was legally licenced but had failed to insure himself adequately. He crashed while attempting to land in fog at an airfield that has a history of such incidents.
All his passengers were consenting adults.
Without being too detailed McRae was flying illegally and executing hazardous manoeuvres at low level. Children were killed - something the BBC felt that would leave them open to criticism, especially at Christmas time.

[EightGear]

I can't help but feel this whole 'issue' is typically British... Being too cautious on every possible subject that may upset some viewers.

[dupanton]

I dont understand it neither... They dont even have to talk about the crash. It is a tribute to his career, not a documentary on the crash...

[Mintexmemory]

I dont understand it neither... They dont even have to talk about the crash. It is a tribute to his career, not a documentary on the crash...

You are right it is typically British. The BBC must under its charter always balance the facts they present. This means no tributes to heroes without showing the down side. Clearly the original production was open to criticism in this regard and that is something the BBC needs like a hole in the head at this time!
So actually they do have to mention the crash to ensure 'balance' or else commission a programme just about the crash!

[BDunnell]

Fundamental difference Hill was legally licenced but had failed to insure himself adequately. He crashed while attempting to land in fog at an airfield that has a history of such incidents.
All his passengers were consenting adults.
Without being too detailed McRae was flying illegally and executing hazardous manoeuvres at low level. Children were killed - something the BBC felt that would leave them open to criticism, especially at Christmas time.

In fact, Hill didn't have a valid US pilot's licence, required for him to fly a US-registered aircraft, at the time of the crash. Nor did he have a valid instrument flying qualification, required for him to fly in the conditions experienced on the night of the accident. And the aircraft was officially unregistered at the time, it having been removed from the US registry but not transferred to another one. Whether or not his passengers were consenting adults, and even considering the fact that humans will always make mistakes of judgment, Hill, like McRae, was deeply foolish in his actions.

[stefanvv]

McRae has been always inclined little too much for risk, in his Racing career, but also his life. That made him one of the greatest drivers and we all Rally fans here in the forum admire that. But the risks he takes wouldn't be understood by many. But this was what he was after all, with all pros and cons. Nobody's perfect that's for sure. BBC are probably right not to broadcast the "contradictory" film.

[Langdale Forest]

Why are the BBC so over-sensitive about broardcasting a documemtary? It dosen't even have to go into detail about the helicopter accident.

[Jack4688`]

Doesn't it? We would know if they aired it