More On That Horrible Birthday Party in Bovey Tracey

According to The Guardian, Rebecca Brooks still may show the Beeb the red card after the announcement of her daughter Sarah’s 18th birthday party went out over a BBC 1 radio show, even though Sarah actually advertised it on a poster at a local school, after which word spread devastingly quickly. The radio show host read details of the party, though not, apparently, the address, over the air, and the result was chaos as 2000 teenagers merrily descended upon the house, trashing it as they went. The BBC disclaims responsibility, and it’s now easier to see why.

It’s not entirely clear why The Guardian says Mrs. Brooks would sue, but in an article from Times Online, she’s quoted as saying that the BBC 1 “`had been irresponsible in broadcasting the “shout out” – a phone tip-off from a listener about a forthcoming party. She said that even if addresses were not mentioned, big homes were identifiable in rural areas. “I’m going to write a stiff letter to ask the BBC to review its policy,” said Mrs Brooks. “They have to be careful, particularly to rural communities. “People only had to look for the mansion in Bovey Tracey. In this instance, they may has well have just given the exact address.” The couple has discussed whether to try to sue the BBC, but the corporation defended itself, saying: “Pete did not specify the name or address of the venue, but read out details of a mansion party taking place in Bovey Tracey sent in by a listener. ‘”Mrs. Brooks also said the family won’t be hosting any more parties for the children. Seems a bit harsh. Read more from the Times Online story here.