BBC Presenter's On-Air Language Change Sparks Internal Turmoil
The BBC has found itself at the centre of a heated debate over language and impartiality after newsreader Martine Croxall was formally reprimanded for changing the phrase 'pregnant people' to 'women' during a live broadcast. The incident, which occurred in June, has revealed significant internal divisions within the corporation, with complaints originating from the BBC's own staff, including members of its BBC Pride staff group.
The On-Air Moment and Immediate Fallout
While introducing a news bulletin about heatwave-related health risks, Croxall was prompted by the autocue to warn 'pregnant people'. The veteran presenter, with more than 30 years at the broadcaster, immediately corrected the term to 'women', accompanied by a raised eyebrow and what was described as a smirk. Her spontaneous edit of the script, which she later suggested was written 'at speed from a press release by an under-pressure junior producer', quickly garnered significant attention online.
The moment won her widespread public support, including from author JK Rowling, who declared Croxall her 'new favourite BBC presenter'. Following Rowling's endorsement, Croxall's following on the social media platform X reportedly surged from 56,000 to 127,000. However, it also triggered 428 complaints to the BBC, prompting an official investigation by the Executive Complaints Unit (ECU).
Internal Complaints and the ECU Ruling
According to a report by The Times, a number of the initial complaints came from BBC staff themselves, with many believed to be from pro-trans voices within the organisation and members of the BBC Pride staff network. While these internal complaints were not part of the final 20 upheld by the ECU, their existence highlights the internal conflict over the BBC's approach to trans coverage.
This week, the ECU ruled that Croxall had breached the broadcaster's impartiality guidelines. The ruling stated that her facial expression 'laid it open to the interpretation that it indicated a particular viewpoint in the controversies currently surrounding trans identity'. It further noted that the subsequent social media reaction, both critical and supportive, confirmed that her actions were 'widely shared' as expressing a personal view.
A BBC insider from the news division described the ruling as 'Orwellian', telling The Times: 'How have we reached a point where a woman's expression has become a face crime?' They added that there was 'an acceptance that [the BBC Pride staff group] have captured the BBC.'
Political and Public Reaction
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from public figures. MP Rosie Duffield told GB News that the situation 'feels really sinister, it feels like this Orwellian policing of ordinary speech.' She defended Croxall's action, stating that most people would find the term 'pregnant people' insulting.
Women's rights campaigner Maya Forstater and investigative journalist James Esses also voiced their support for Croxall, with Esses calling the national broadcaster a 'disgrace' for its handling of the matter.
Despite the formal reprimand, BBC news bosses had initially backed Croxall, explaining that her reaction was to scripting that 'somewhat clumsily' incorporated phrases from a press release. The ECU acknowledged this but maintained that her expression crossed a line. The finding has been reported to BBC management and discussed with Croxall and her editorial team. Martine Croxall remains on air.
