BBC axes studio tours amid fears about security
BROADCASTER INVESTIGATES HOW INTRUDERS GOT INTO LONDON CENTRE
THE BBC has cancelled all tours of its MediaCity UK studios in Salford after an astonishing security breach in London.
Last week five men were able to wander around Broadcasting House in the capital.
They walked through a studio being used by BBC News and climbed on to the roof.
The group posted footage of their prank on Snapchat and the corporation said it had launched an ‘urgent’ investigation into the incident.
Today a BBC spokesman confirmed that tours at its studios at Salford Quays had been cancelled until further notice – while a review of security procedures take place.
The BBC’s northern HQ in Salford is home to favourite programmes including Match Of The Day, Blue Peter, A Question Of Sport, Mastermind, BBC Breakfast, as well as Radio 5 Live, CBBC, BBC Sport and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
The BBC’s MediaCity website says: “Thank you for your interest. We’re not currently taking any bookings while we review the security of BBC buildings.
“Further information available soon.”
After getting past an airport style security desk the men got inside Broadcasting House in London at around 7.30pm on Friday
In a video they made during the breach the men boast to the camera: ‘Guys, right now, we’re in the BBC headquarters and we’re gonna try and run on live TV.’
The BBC said there was no interruption to broadcasts and it had taken steps to tighten security.
The men later released a full will be video lasting several minutes of the entire escapade on YouTube.
Some 25,000 people go on a BBC tour per year at Salford. There are two types of tour – the BBC Tour which is for anyone over the age of nine, and the CBBC Interactive Tour for six to 11-year-olds. Groups and individuals can book a visit. Tours at MediaCity last 90 minutes and take in working studios.
The spokesman added: “Following a recent security incident, the BBC is taking steps to review the security of its buildings.
“During this review period, all public tours of BBC buildings will be suspended. This will take effect from Thursday 9th March 2017.
“We realise that this will be disappointing to members of the public who have already made bookings and we will contact all those affected and offer full ticket refunds. The safety of staff and visitors is the BBC’s top priority.”