BBC TAPED EASTER SPECIAL AT CHRISTMAS TO SAVE MONEY

The BBC has acknowledged that its planned Easter special, Songs of Praise, was taped at Christmas time. Responding to numerous editorial complaints that Britain's publicly funded TV network was "tricking" its audience, the BBC acknowledged that it taped the program at Lichfield Cathedral at the same time it taped a Christmas special last year, simply changing the lighting and flowers. It also changed the dresses and suits of the congregation, the London Times observed. "Hundreds of worshipers shivered at Lichfield Cathedral after being told to change their overcoats for floral prints suitable for a warm spring day," it reported. The BBC noted that it is common practice to shoot two programs back to back.

26/03/2007