The BBC’s coverage of the death of Prince Philip has drawn almost 110,000 complaints from the public, a record number for the U.K. news agency.
The broadcaster cleared its normal schedules across two TV channels on Friday to run a series of special programs after Queen Elizabeth II’s husband died at the age of 99. The news channels most watched shows, such as “EastEnders” and the “Masterchef,” were postponed and replaced by news programs and pre-recorded tributes. The BBC Four channel was taken off air completely, as well. BBC radio stations also aired programs about Philip.
The move was not received well by viewers, many of whom immediately lobbed complaints about the increased coverage of the Prince’s death.
The BBC said in a statement Thursday that Philip’s death was a “significant event which generated a lot of interest both nationally and internationally,” but acknowledged that some thought the rolling coverage was excessive.
“We acknowledge some viewers were unhappy with the level of coverage given and impact this had on the billed TV and radio schedules,” it continued. “We do not make such changes without careful consideration and the decisions made reflect the role the BBC plays as the national broadcaster during moments of national significance.”