London, Nov 1 (IANS) Television presenters at the BBC are being trained on how to correctly announce the death of the queen in a bid to avoid a gaffe like the one when the queen mother died and a veteran news anchor wore a burgundy tie.
The BBC was heavily criticised after the death of the queen mother in 2002, when news presenter Peter Sissons went on air in a grey suit and a burgundy tie, said the Daily Mail.
Staff at the BBC’s College Of Journalism have been shown mock videos that announce that the queen has passed away.
‘Like all news organisations, the BBC has plans in place. We provide training to ensure staff understand what would be expected,’ an official said.
BBC chiefs hope the funeral training will avoid a repeat of the Sissons episode.
In the aftermath of her death, the BBC received numerous complaints from audiences over the handling of the announcement. Rival broadcaster ITV had presenters who adhered to the traditional black tie attire for the broadcast.
The BBC said it has since changed its policy and reporters will be instructed to wear dark coloured suits, with male broadcasters in white shirts and black ties as a mark of respect.
After the announcement of the queen’s death, the national anthem will be played, while television screens will display a picture of the royal.
BBC will also suspend all comedy shows across its channels until after the burial.
