THE BBC and the company responsible for the subtitles on the hit TV show Guilt have both apologised after a viewer complained about a number of basic errors in the programme.
The Dundee viewer previously told The National about the “unacceptable” number of inaccuracies in the subtitles for BBC Scotland’s flagship programme.
The drama, starring Mark Bonnar and Jamie Sives, follows two Edinburgh brothers as they attempt to cover up an accidental murder.
The show has become a major success for the BBC, being lauded by audiences and critics alike, at home and abroad.
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But the Scottish viewer took issue with the quality of the subtitles, telling The National: "This is just not good enough. This is BBC Scotland. This is their flagship programme and it is a good programme, there is no doubt about that, but if they want to do a job they should do it right. I just don’t think it is acceptable.”
After the viewer's complaint, The National looked through a number of episodes in series two and found several basic errors.
In episode one of the new series, common mistakes include using the word “were” instead of “well” or “and” instead of “that” – words the characters did not say.
Shortly after The National’s previous article, the BBC issued an apology.
The broadcaster said: "Like many broadcasters, subtitling services are outsourced to a third party company and are not generated by the BBC.
"We are sorry that errors in the subtitles are affecting audience experience and will look further into the matter.”
Now, the BBC has officially responded to the Dundee viewer who complained, reporting that the company responsible for the subtitles has also issued an apology.
In its response, the broadcaster said: “Red Bee Media’s Subtitling Management team has now conducted a full review of the subtitles created for Guilt.
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"And please accept the apologies of the subtitling service that the original subtitles for this programme weren’t up to their usual high standards.
“They would like to add that your complaint has been taken very seriously, and that your feedback and use of the subtitling service is very much appreciated.
“Again, they are sorry that you weren’t able to enjoy the service as expected on this occasion.”
Despite the apology, the viewer remains disappointed with the broadcaster.
He said: "I watched last Tuesday’s episode and was disappointed to note that the subtitles were, if anything, worse.
"Riddled with errors, and in some cases, the subtitles did not make sense. I find it shocking that licence payers’ money is given to Red Bee if this is the best they can do. I am not quite sure what 'a full review' means.
"It will be interesting to see if there is any improvement in next Tuesday’s episode, by which time they will have had plenty of time to 'review' – and correct!"
Red Bee Media has informed The National that all subtitle errors have now been corrected.
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