In a significant blunder, France 2's 1 p.m. news segment mistakenly aired footage from the popular video game Microsoft Flight Simulator during a report on canceled flights to Madeira, Portugal. The segment, which aimed to highlight the challenges faced by pilots landing in Madeira due to strong winds, instead showcased a virtual plane landing, leading to immediate backlash from viewers who quickly identified the error.
The error occurred while discussing the impact of violent winds and fires on air traffic in Madeira. The journalist, Thibaud de Barbeyrac, referred to the footage as 'archive images,' causing confusion and frustration among viewers. Social media users pointed out the unrealistic graphics and the apparent impossibility of the plane's landing, questioning how such a mistake could occur on national television.
As the segment concluded, presenter Nathanaël de Rincquesen addressed the blunder, acknowledging the mistake and offering an apology to viewers. He stated, 'In the middle of the spectacular landing images, a virtual image slipped into our subject. This was a mistake, and we apologize.' The channel has since removed the erroneous footage from its replay service, attempting to rectify the situation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accuracy in journalism, especially when reporting on critical issues such as air traffic disruptions. The reliance on technology and the potential for errors underscore the need for thorough fact-checking and verification before broadcasting.
