Kirstie Allsopp has criticised BBC Radio 4 bosses over their coverage of a suspected terrorist hijacking, as the station faces closure plans. The broadcaster took to social media to express her disappointment at what she described as an insensitive segue between two news stories.
On Wednesday, September 30, FlyDubai flight 1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, became the target of a suspected terrorist hijacking. It is understood that the co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe inside the cockpit. Off-duty and reserve pilots on board helped take control of the aircraft and execute an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Allsopp's Criticism of Radio 4's Coverage
On Friday, a BBC Radio 4 presenter interviewed the captain of the plane that was almost brought down by the terrorist attack before moving on to another story about an incident with a sperm whale. The 51-year-old broadcaster shared her disappointment on social media.
She wrote: "Just now on BBC Radio 4 Today, the captain of the plane that was almost brought down by a terrorist does an interview. Then [the broadcaster declares] 'From one equally astonishing story of survival to another, we're talking to a couple whose yacht hit a sperm whale'. Is the BBC determined not to take this attack seriously?!"
Public Reaction and Calls to Defund the BBC
Fans soon flocked to the comments to share similar opinions on the broadcaster's coverage of the story. One user wrote: "Yes! That's why people have stopped watching and listening to the BBC in their droves."
Another agreed: "The BBC should be defunded immediately, no one wants to be forced to pay for their awful drivel. Those who wish to watch and listen to such nonsense should subscribe to do so and not be forced to." A third echoed: "The BBC should now be defunded! They've had enough chances to report accurately on the Middle East.... but refuse to do so." "Well said, Kirstie," a fourth added. "Unfortunately, it won't change anything."
BBC Closure Plans and Job Cuts
It comes after Deadline revealed that insiders expect BBC Director General Matt Brittin to confirm TV and radio network closures, having delayed plans to announce the changes this week. So far, BBC Three is expected to be on the chopping block, alongside Radio 4 Extra, which is also reportedly under threat.
The BBC Media Tech job cuts are part of a fresh £37million round of savings, following the division's £42million in cuts earlier this year. A further £23million in savings is planned for early 2027, meaning BBC Media Tech will contribute £102million to the corporation's overall target of £500million, which the BBC must deliver because of the growing number of Brits who are refusing to pay the licence fee.
