THESE are unprecedented times. Underlining that fact, the BBC has posted an expletive-ridden video on social media urging people to stay at home.
The coronavirus warning is issued indirectly by legendary The Thick of It character Malcolm Tucker, played by Scot Peter Capaldi.
The clip of the spin doctor’s ferocious speech to terrified staff ends with the message from the BBC: “Seriously, stay at home. Please stop the spread.”
Seriously, stay at home.
— BBC (@BBC) March 27, 2020
Please stop the spread. pic.twitter.com/iQZGQX8kCh
The post has been met with mostly positive response.
“Malcolm Tucker is the man we need in these tough times,” on Twitter comment read.
Another stated: “Best thing the @BBC Twitter has put out.”
But one social media user asked: “What ever happened to the watershed?”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel