BBC to ‘rewrite script’ in controversial badger documentary

The BBC has been pressured into “rewriting the script” in relation to the upcoming programme Brian May; The Badgers, The Farmers and Me, following complaints of bias by the farming industry.

The documentary, which charts efforts at Gatcombe Farm in East Devon to eliminate bovine TB through enhanced blood testing of cattle and better slurry management, is due to air on Friday evening (23 August).

See also: Brian May under fire for ‘partial picture’ of TB control

A preview version, shared with Farmers Weekly and other media last week, claimed full success in ridding the herd of bovine TB by 2018 “without killing or vaccinating any badgers”.

But this version of the documentary failed to mention that the farm had subsequently gone down with TB in July 2020, and again in May and September 2023.

Sir Brian explained to Farmers Weekly in an exclusive interview ahead of the programme that this was due to the fact enhanced testing was not allowed during the period when the herd was classified as “TB free”, so latent carriers of the disease could not be identified and removed.

Criticism 

But excluding the fact there had been repeated recurrences of the disease, the documentary drew sharp criticism from organisations such as the Countryside Alliance, the AHDB and the NFU.

Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner said the preview version was “biased”, while AHDB lead veterinary science expert Sarah Tomlinson said the work at Gatcombe Farm “has not been as successful as portrayed”.

NFU deputy president David Exwood said it was “fundamentally flawed”.

Balance 

All three organisations have spent much of this week trying to persuade the BBC to get more balance into the programme.

It is now understood that the BBC has done some last-minute editing to the documentary, including adding some clarification about the subsequent reinfection of cattle with bovine TB.

“It seems the BBC had planned to air this documentary without including this vital detail,” said Countryside Alliance external affairs director Mo Metcalf-Fisher.

“It is deeply concerning, particularly as it appears they’ve reportedly only conducted a hasty rewrite as a result of external pressure.

“Failing to do so would have left them open to the accusation of a cover-up.”

A spokesperson for the BBC said: “Programmes of this nature often change up until broadcast to ensure they reflect the most up to date information and statements.”

The programme can be viewed in full on BBC Two at 9.00pm on Friday 23 August.