BBC feared alien discovery could breach editorial guidelines

Wed Nov 07, 2012 9:14 pm » by **One-23**

Seems to be a spate of UFO's don't exist/ UFO's do exist and similar stories doing the rounds at the moment :headscratch:

$$$ Kerrrrrching 2012 $$$

Brian Cox: BBC bosses feared alien discovery could breach editorial guidelines

Prof Cox, who hosts the show with comedian Dara O'Briain, said he had hoped to point the Jodrell Bank telescope at the planet Threapleton Holmes B after it was discovered live on air last year and listen for signs of life.

But he claimed he was prevented from doing so because the Corporation was concerned that a discovery of aliens could violate BBC regulations.

Speaking on the BBC Radio 6 Music breakfast show on Wednesday, Prof Cox said: "The BBC actually said 'You can't do that. We need to go through the regulations and health and safety and everything in case we discover a signal from an alien civilisation'.

"[I said], you mean we would discover the first hint that there is other intelligent life in the universe beyond Earth, live on air, and you're worried about the health and safety of it?

"It was incredible. They did have guidelines. Compliance!"

Read More http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvan ... lines.html

Wed Nov 07, 2012 9:30 pm » by **Troll2rocks**

Yeah the BBC is all red tape. Apparently they are required by law to be impartial.

Wed Nov 07, 2012 9:39 pm » by **Shendao**

Doesn't surprise me, at the formation of the BBC they were told they couldn't cover anything that proved life after death. Back then there were a lot of notable scientists claiming such proof.

I cannot find the original but there is a reference to it within this article

http://www.cfpf.org.uk/articles/background/scientificproof/scientificproof2.html

The BBC is essentially the 'voice of the government' and whilst it claims impartiality, that only extends to matters political.