By Victoria Mckeown-
The BBC has defended its interview with Novak Djokovic after some viewers complained it was “irresponsible” to give him a platform to air his views against the coronavirus vaccine.
The broadcaster was subjected to criticism after the number one tennis player, spoke about his decision not to have the jab and his high-profile deportation from Australia during the interview with the broadcaster’s media editor Amol Rajan, billed online as a “world exclusive”.
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Some senior figures at the BBC complained that Novak Djokovic’s interview with Amol Rajan provided fuel to the anti-vax movement a big platform and are worried they’ll come to regret airing the revealing conversation with the tennis player last week.
The BBC said it received complaints from some viewers who felt the interview was given too much prominence, and said it was “irresponsible” to amplify his views on the vaccine. The criticisms do not appear to have been worth an official response, given the high profile status of Djokavic which naturally attracts the demand for interviews. The controversy that surrounded his deportation from Australia following his refusal to be vaccinated raised public interest in his interviews.
The vaccination drive has undergone much controversy since the beginning of the pandemic, given the heightened urgency around the world to keep the virus in check. Conspiracy views on the internet, the speed at which the vaccine was produced , and the pressure put on the public to be vaccinated in order to control infection rates, have all divided many societies, arousing strong feelings on both sides of the equation.
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Criticisms against the BBC interview of Djokavic as irresponsible, are designed to serve the self interests of the critics, and driven towards preventing basic freedom of expression on matters of public interest. Hearing a variety of views on on the controversy that has accompanied Djokovic’s career following his deportation from Australia has been a matter of public interest.
A statement shared on the broadcaster’s complaints site said: “The BBC’s exclusive interview is the first time Novak Djokovic has spoken about his position himself, and our news editors judged that the interview was of genuine significance and was of interest to our audience, particularly in light of what unfolded in the build-up of the Australian Open in January.
“We appreciate that not everyone will agree with our choice of story running orders, but we consider that this has been a big ongoing news story which also encompasses key issues such as mandatory vaccination and international travel restrictions.
“There are still many people who choose not to be vaccinated and we think it is important to hear from all sides of the discussion.
“However the BBC has always made clear the scientific and medical consensus on vaccination and its effectiveness, and we have done so throughout our coverage of this story.”
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