BBC training staff to announce Queen's death: Report
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The BBC is reportedly training all its news presenters how to announce the British Queen's death in case of the 85-year-old Monarch's demise.
The Corporation was heavily criticised in the wake of the death of the Queen Mother in 2002, after veteran news reader Peter Sissons went on air in a grey suit accompanied with a burgundy tie.
So, in a bid to avoid gaffes, staffers are now undergoing training for Queen Elizabeth II's death with the Corporation holding courses for ‘class one’ royal deaths, which would also include Prince Charles and Prince William, 'The Sunday Times' newspaper reported.
Staffers at the Corporation's College Of Journalism have been shown mock videos featuring Huw Edwards announcing that Queen Elizabeth II has passed away, the report said.
"Like all news organisations, the BBC has plans in place. We provide training to ensure staff understand what would be expected," a BBC source was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
Sombre clothing is being kept in cupboards so newsreaders can quickly change if such an announcement is made, it said.
In case of Queen's death, BBC staffers would be informed of the change in programme schedule that will coincide with the Royal's demise.
Following the announcement, the national anthem will also be screened in the backdrop whilst TV screens would display a picture of the Monarch, the 'Daily Mail' newspaper said.
Meanwhile, with the funeral expected to take place 12 days following her passing, the BBC will suspend all comedy shows across its channels until after the burial, it added.
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