BBC Ends Live Streams for ‘High-Risk’ Acts After Bob Vylan Outcry

The BBC said on 3 July it will no longer transmit music performances live if an internal assessment labels them “high risk”, following widespread criticism of its decision to stream punk-rap duo Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set in which the singers led the crowd in chants of “death to the IDF”.

Director-General Tim Davie apologised “in particular to the Jewish community”, acknowledging “errors” both before and during Saturday’s broadcast. Bob Vylan were one of seven acts classed as high risk for the festival, yet compliance staff opted to stream the show with only on-screen warnings and declined to cut the feed, which remained available on BBC iPlayer for about four hours.

The corporation said staff responsible have been removed from their usual roles while an internal review proceeds. Future high-risk shows will be recorded and subjected to editorial checks before airing, and the BBC’s Editorial Policy unit will be placed on site at major events with new guidance spelling out when to withdraw a live feed.

The performance has drawn condemnation from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and media regulator Ofcom. Avon and Somerset Police have opened a criminal investigation into the Glastonbury comments, and London’s Metropolitan Police are examining remarks allegedly made by the band in May. Bob Vylan said they oppose antisemitism and support the “dismantling of a violent military machine.”