BBC Mistakes African Cab Driver for Computer Expert, Hilarity Ensues
Okay, this story had me laughing pretty hard, which is a good way to start the day. Hope it's as useful to you.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Revealed: The identity of the BBC's latest star
22:56pm 13th May 2006
Comments Reader comments (149)
A computer expert has described his astonishment at seeing the BBC's 24-hour news channel interview supposed taxi driver Guy Goma in the mistaken belief it was him.
Guy Kewney - a white, bearded technology expert - was astonished to see himself appear on screen as a black man with an apparent French accent. He was even more shocked to see himself unable to answer basic questions about the legal battle between the Beatles' Apple Corps and Apple Computer over the use of an apple symbol.
Mr Kewney, an IT journalist, watched as Mr Goma, whose identity remained a mystery until it was revealed on Monday night by the BBC, gamely attempted to answer questions fired at him by BBC consumer affairs correspondent Karen Bowerman.
Mr Goma, a graduate from the Congo, described his surprise interview ordeal as "very stressful". He found himself being ushered into a studio and fitted with a microphone after raising his hand when a producer called out the name Guy Kewney.
On his website, the real Mr Kewney, said that the man "seemed as baffled as I felt" when asked about the consequences of the lawsuit live on BBC News 24.
It is unclear why Mr Goma identified himself when Mr Kewney's named was called.
Only when Ms Bowerman announced live on air the name and title of the man who should have been there and asked the first question did the driver realise there had been a mix-up.
A BBC spokeswoman said: "Unfortunately we did make a mistake and the wrong person was interviewed briefly on air before we cut to our reporter.
"We apologise to viewers for any confusion."
The interview
Karen Bowerman: Guy Kewney is editor of the technology website Newswireless.
Face of horror
KB: Hello, good morning to you.
Mr Goma: Good morning.
KB: Were you surprised by this verdict today.
Mr Goma: I am very surprised to see... this verdict to come on me because I was not expecting that. When I came they told me somehting else and I am coming. So a big surprise anyway.
KB: A big surprise, yeah, yes.
Mr Goma: Exactly.
KB: With regards to the costs involved do you think now more people will be downloading online?
Mr Goma: Actually If you can walk everywhere you are going to see a lot of people downloading the internet and the website and everything they want. But I think eh It is much better for development and eh to inform people what they want and to get the easy way and so faster if they are looking for.
KB: It does really seem the way the music industry's progressing now that people want to go onto the website and download music.
Mr Goma: Exactly you can go everywhere on the cyber cafe and you can take, you can go easy. It is going to be an easy way for everyone to get something to the internet
KB: Thank you. Thanks very much indeed.
05-16-2006, 14:17
Kanamori
Re: BBC Mistakes African Cab Driver for Computer Expert, Hilarity Ensues
I think that there is a thread on this by EA in the Frontroom. Intra-org links always creep me out, for some reason:book:
05-16-2006, 14:17
Marcellus
Re: BBC Mistakes African Cab Driver for Computer Expert, Hilarity Ensues
