Photo: Wenn
The Chime For Change concert organised by Beyonce, actress Salma Hayek and Gucci director Frida Giannini was all but ignored by the BBC because the corporation is more interested in sending staff to Glastonbury, one of its promotors has claimed.
Harvey Goldsmith told the Mail on Sunday that he offered the BBC the rights to broadcast Sound Of Change, but was turned down with the Beeb instead opting to broadcast just an hour and 20 minutes worth of highlights.
The concert, the proceeds of which will go towards projects around the world aimed at improving women’s education, health and justice, featured an all-star lineup including Jennifer Lopez, Rita Ora, John Legend, Iggy Azalea and Beyonce herself.
There were also appearances from Madonna, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and actor James Franco.
The BBC said it declined to take up the offer of coverage because of the number of commercial sponsors. But Mr Goldsmith said he was disappointed by the decision, saying: “I think all the BBC is interested in is Glastonbury.
“They have about five million people working on it. It’s their jolly and everything else gets short shrift.”
This year the BBC is sending 296 staff to cover Glastonbury.
Florence + The Machine were among the star-studded linup
The corporation will perhaps be kicking themselves for not jumping at the chance to cover Sound Of Change, though, as Beyonce and Jay-Z performed a surprise duets of ‘Crazy In Love’.
Meanwhile, The Rolling Stones are reportedly nervous about having their Glastonbury headline slot televised and are still working our the details of the arrangement.
Read the Gigwise live blog from Sound Of Change here.
Below: Beyonce, J-Lo and more talk girls and music
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