BBC Radio 4’s Today programme attracted headlines of its own on Monday after presenter James Naughtie apparently swore on air shortly before the 7am news bulletin.
Naughtie trailed an interview with David Cameron, but on the final beep of the time pips a voice whispered “shit” before he launched into the headlines.
Lol ! Glad I had my radio on record to capture #shitgate pic.twitter.com/8DO83l4I5s
— Gary Grayson (@graysonisageek) November 16, 2015
Nick Robinson, who began his new role on the programme’s presenting on Monday, tweeted a few minutes later “Looks like being one of those days on BBCr4today!”.
Looks like being one of those days on @BBCr4today !Stay tuned for the Prime Minister on what the Paris attacks mean for Britain
— Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) November 16, 2015
A BBC spokesman said: “The Today programme was live on location from Paris and, as with any live broadcast, occasionally slip-ups may happen. We apologise to listeners for any offence caused.”
It is not the first time Today listeners have heard offensive language on the early morning programme.
Naughtie apologised in 2010 for an embarrassing verbal slip over the name of cabinet minister Jeremy Hunt, replacing the first letter of his surname with a “C”.
The on-air stumble sent the presenter into a coughing fit, and attracted a slew of emails from listeners who were either amused or angry.
Naughtie proceeded to interview Hunt without incident, but later issued several apologies for his “Spoonerism” – a reference to Dr William Spooner who was notorious for inappropriately switching letters between words.
The latest incident comes as Robinson began his new anchor role after taking time off to recover from surgery and chemotherapy to treat lung cancer.
Robinson now receives daily coaching to help with his voice after one of his vocal cords was left damaged following the treatment.
“Apologies for croaky first day start on BBCr4today. Been a long time off!” he added.
Apologies for croaky first day start on @BBCr4today. Been a long time off !
— Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) November 16, 2015
Robinson spent a decade fronting the BBC’s political coverage but has moved to the early morning slot to replace Naughtie, who will become a special correspondent.
