Laura Kuenssberg has shed light on why a scheduled BBC interview with Boris Johnson fell through and revealed a humorous incident involving her briefing notes. In her weekly newsletter, Kuenssberg, who hosts the broadcaster’s Sunday politics show, discussed her recent “embarrassing mistake.” She described the cancellation of the interview with Johnson, whom she called “one of the most consequential politicians of our time,” as both sad and frustrating.
Kuenssberg explained that while preparing for interviews, she collaborates with a small group of producers to determine the most crucial topics and anticipates how the interviewee might respond. She emphasised the importance of thorough preparation, even when familiar with the subject, especially with a politician like Johnson, who is known for being evasive.
She noted that she often discards many prepared questions but would “never, ever, tell the politician or any guest” the questions in advance. Kuenssberg stressed that if politicians knew the questions beforehand, it would lead to rehearsed responses and an artificial interview. She added that changing the topics of questions was not an option. Avoiding subjects like Brexit, COVID, partygate, his resignation, or his relationship with the truth would have meant not fulfilling their journalistic duty. Consequently, the interview had to be cancelled.
Two Pathetic Pointless, biased bullshit Tory hypocrite. BBC cancels Boris Johnson interview after Laura Kuenssberg mistakenly sends him her briefing notes😂😂#r4today #BBCBreakfast https://t.co/eWpYWVgdx3
— Sarah Attlee (@AttleeSarah80) October 3, 2024
The BBC interview was intended to be part of Johnson’s media tour to promote his new book, Unleashed, set for release on 10 October. The broadcaster had heavily promoted the interview for the past two weeks, but the BBC’s press team deemed the interview “untenable” after the notes were shared.
Finding a “brighter side” in her “embarrassing” mistake, Kuenssberg shared that others had reached out with their own blunders. One example involved a former government adviser who accidentally messaged her cabinet minister, calling him “a right grump” instead of sending it to a colleague.
The BBC has cancelled an interview with Boris Johnson after presenter Laura Kuenssberg accidentally sent the former prime minister her briefing notes pic.twitter.com/zlb8NHHM56
— PA Media (@PA) October 3, 2024
Another example involved a former prime minister of another country who was inadvertently sent an email containing derogatory remarks about them. The prime minister read the email during PMQs.
What Other Media Are Saying
- News Sky reports the BBC cancelled Boris Johnson’s interview after Laura Kuenssberg’s mistake, sending him briefing notes meant for her team, leading to an untenable situation for the interview.(read more)
- The Independent reports that the BBC cancelled an interview with Boris Johnson due to Laura Kuenssberg’s mistake in sharing briefing notes, calling the situation “embarrassing and disappointing.”(read more)
- The Guardian reports the BBC cancels Boris Johnson interview after Laura Kuenssberg mistakenly sends her briefing notes to him, deeming the situation untenable for an honest discussion.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was the BBC interview with Boris Johnson cancelled?
Laura Kuenssberg accidentally sent her briefing notes to Boris Johnson, making the interview untenable.
What did Laura Kuenssberg say about her mistake with the Boris Johnson interview?
Kuenssberg called it an ’embarrassing mistake’ and discussed its frustrating and sad consequences.
How does Laura Kuenssberg prepare for interviews?
Kuenssberg works with a small group of producers to determine key topics and imagines possible responses.
Why is it important not to share interview questions in advance?
Sharing questions in advance leads to prepared answers, making the interview an artificial exercise.
What is the ‘brighter side’ Kuenssberg mentioned about the mistake?
Others shared their own gaffes, including a government adviser mistakenly messaging a cabinet minister.
