BBC Misstaken identity

AP-Mistaken Identity

BBC apologizes for interview gaffe

LONDON (AP) - The B-B-C is apologizing to viewers after a studiomix-up resulted in a cab driver appearing on live T-V as an expert on Internet music downloads.The case of mistaken identity happened last Monday following the verdict in the Apple-versus-Apple case on music downloads.Staff members who went looking for the internet expert pulled the wrong man into the studio -- a cab driver who was there for another reason. He clearly realizes the mistake as the interview starts, but doesn't say anything about it. When the reporter asks if he's surprised by the verdict, he admits being "very surprised" adding "When I came, they told mesomething else."

He eventually grows more confident and goes on to deliver his opinion on the future of music downloads. Meanwhile, the real computer expert watched the scene on a studio monitor from the reception area. He says he was initially amused, but grew concerned the mix up could hurt his reputation.

Link to video of interview http://img.dailymail.co.uk/video/cabbie.wmv

http://www.newswireless.net/index.cfm/article/2701

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)