BBC accused of giving 'too much coverage' to Kobe Bryant's death, outlet says it's a 'significant news story'
The BBC has been accused of giving "too much coverage" to the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. On 26 January, Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna tragically died along with seven others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
BBC revealed on their website how they were inundated with complaints that they "gave too much coverage of the death of US basketball player Kobe Bryant."
Although it is not established how many people complained to the outlet, it is believed they have received at least a hundred messages from their viewers, Metro reports.
The news and media giant has clarified on their website that they only respond to complaints of a "wide audience concern which have either generated significant numbers of complaints or raised significant issues."
That said, BBC defended their coverage of the tragedy saying that Kobe's death was a "significant news story" in their judgment and that their coverage "reflected this."
"Kobe Bryant was a US basketball star whose career made him one of the most famous players of all time. He was a five-time NBA Champion and Olympic medallist and one of the top scorers in the history of the game," they began. "He also enjoyed fame outside the world of basketball, having won an Oscar in 2018. Basketball is a popular team sport with a dedicated following in the UK and its stars are international household names."
"We appreciate not everyone agrees with our editorial decisions but in our judgment, Kobe Bryant’s sudden death was a significant news story and our coverage reflected this," they concluded.
The deceased NBA superstar and his daughter were on their way to Mamba Academy for basketball practice when their chopper crashed. Among other victims were John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, and pilot Ara Zobayan.
Following the tragedy, tributes poured in from all over the world.
"My heart is so heavy. No one should ever experience what the families involved are going through," fashion mogul Kim Kardashian shared. "This has affected us all so much but I cannot begin to imagine what Vanessa is feeling losing her husband and her baby girl. I cry just thinking about it. ‘I am praying for the Bryant family, the Altobelli family and the families of all who perished in this unthinkable tragedy. Rest In Peace Legend."
Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo also expressed his condolences.
"So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna," he wrote. "Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend."