Cab Driver Mistaken For Online Music Expert.

Paru · Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 6:02 pm Post subject:

Okay, this is mercilessly stolen from a topic on another forum. But I thought it was worthy enough to post here for you, citizens of General Discussion to view.

A link to the news article.

[quote]He is the BBC's latest star - the cab driver who a leading presenter believed was a world expert on the internet music business.

The man stepped unwittingly into the national spotlight when he was interviewed by mistake on the corporation's News 24 channel.

With the seconds ticking down to a studio discussion about a court case involving Apple Computer and The Beatles' record label, a floor manager had run to reception and grabbed the man, thinking he was Guy Kewney, editor of Newswireless.net, a specialist internet publication.

Actually, he was a minicab driver who had been waiting to drive Mr Kewney home.

Baffled, but compliant, the driver was fitted with a microphone and allowed himself to be marched in to the studio. Cameras rolled, and he was quizzed live on air by consumer affairs correspondent Karen Bowerman - who missed the cabbie's panic-stricken expression when he realised he was being interviewed.

Despite knowing nothing about the case - a judge ruled that the computer company could continue to use the Apple symbol for its iTunes download service - the man gamely attempted to bluff his way through and, speaking in a strong French accent, sustained a (somewhat illogical) form of conversation. Meanwhile, the real Mr Kewney watched indignantly on a monitor in reception.

A tape of the exchange, broadcast on Monday morning, has become a classic among BBC workers.

It starts with the mystery man's horrified expression as Ms Bowerman introduces him as a technology expert, followed by his plucky attempt to answer her question on whether he was surprised by the verdict.

Yes, he says with feeling. It was a 'big surprise'. After an increasingly confusing exchange, the presenter cut with relief to the BBC's equally puzzled reporter outside the court, while the taxi driver was hurried out of the studio.

The BBC apologised, saying the mistake occurred because the man was wearing Mr Kewney's name tag. Mr Kewney said: "Everyone seems to think he was a taxi driver waiting in reception to take me home. But no one knows for sure."

He added: "There were several surprising things about 'my' interview. Judging by my performance, English wasn't my first language and I didn't seem to know much about Apple, online music or The Beatles."

He said the taxi driver "seemed as baffled as I felt". Last night, the driver's identity remained a mystery. None of the taxi firms regularly used by the BBC would admit to employing him.[/quote]

Yes, there is indeed a video!
Rightclick>SaveAs

That guy is my new hero. <3
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SpasticPenguine · Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 6:07 pm Post subject:

If I was Mr. Kewney, I'd be pissed this dude made me looks like a dumbass on national TV . . . .

I find it funny no one admitted to employing him.

Paru · Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 6:09 pm Post subject:

But duder, I thought he pulled it off wonderfully after those first few seconds of "OHSHI--"
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anti_sk8r · Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 6:45 pm Post subject:

xD
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anti_sk8r · Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 6:58 pm Post subject:

XD I just got a transcript off of 4chan:

Karen Bowerman: Guy Kewney is editor of the technology website Newswireless.

Face of horror

KB: Hello, good morning to you.

Taxi driver: Good morning.

KB: Were you surprised by this verdict today.

Taxi driver: I am very surprised to see... this verdict to come on me because I was not expecting that. When I came they told me somehting else and I am coming. So a big surprise anyway.

KB: A big surprise, yeah, yes.
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VR_Jay · Very Oldbie Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 2725

Haha! Fck'n brilliant! Laughing

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Chibi-chan · Very bored Joined: 11 Mar 2006 Posts: 142

poor man

just look at his face when the interview is starting

VR_Jay · Very Oldbie Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 2725

I know. I think he covered his ass rather well. And it was BBC's own fault for not making sure of who he was. ^_^
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Beatlechick90 · Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 7:29 am Post subject:

that is SO awesome! Laughing

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Chibi-chan · Very bored Joined: 11 Mar 2006 Posts: 142

I think that he wanted to clear the things but he couldn't get any word to get out of his mouth, something like that happened to me once but it wasn't national tv, not even tv or radio...