Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Viewers waiting for BBC News at 10 left with 'soft jazz' for four minutes after technical system crashes

Huw Edwards was left twiddling his thumbs on the BBC News Channel

Caroline Mortimer
Wednesday 21 June 2017 15:25 BST
Comments
Waiting to begin: Huw Edwards professionalism was praised but viewers wondered what he was writing
Waiting to begin: Huw Edwards professionalism was praised but viewers wondered what he was writing (BBC)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Viewers tuning in to the BBC's News at 10 were left bemused as the programme suffered a technical malfunction.

BBC One's audience was treated to the sound of jazz music while technicians struggled to get the programme back on the air for four minutes.

Meanwhile, viewers on the BBC News channel were greeted by the sight of presenter Huw Edwards twiddling his thumbs and writing something on a piece of paper.

It prompted some people on Twitter to speculate about whether the end was nigh.

Others praised Mr Edwards professionalism and speculated about what he was writing on the piece of paper during the wait.

A BBC editor, Paul Royall, clarified the cause of the problem, saying technical systems crashed seconds before they were due to go on air.

He said the backup system was quickly deployed.

It resumed at 10:04pm, following a quick apology from Mr Edwards.

He also apologised at the end of show, which ran smoothly otherwise.

Mr Edwards later tweeted he was going to enjoy a pint of Welsh ale after "that News at 10".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in