Several moments on the Big Brother 24/7 livestream this week have raised questions about the effectiveness of the feed’s delay system, after inappropriate conversations were partially broadcast before audio was removed.
The incidents occurred during exchanges that included racial stereotypes and references to ethnicity, which Mediaweek has chosen not to publish.
On Wednesday evening, a conversation involving comments about race, wealth and specific communities was briefly audible before the stream cut the audio.
At another point, a housemate began using a Middle Eastern slur before stopping mid-sentence as the feed attempted to mute the exchange.
Viewers on social platforms have also noted moments where the stream cuts mid-conversation, only to return before the edit fully applies.
Other international versions of Big Brother have faced similar moderation challenges.
In the US, UK and Canada, livestreams have been reduced or discontinued in past seasons after inappropriate content aired during live feeds.
Ten maintains focus on entertainment and safety
In a statement to Pedestrian regarding the livestream format, a Network Ten spokesperson said “the content strikes the balance between being entertaining and juicy, while still protecting audiences and housemates. We have been thrilled to see Aussies obsessed with the show, the housemates, and the access.”
In an interview with Mediaweek before the show’s debut, Executive Producer Sarah Thornton admitted the format requires ongoing judgment calls.
“It’s one of those things that sounds like a really simple offering, but there’s a lot involved to make sure it’s entertaining and authentic, while also ensuring we don’t defame anyone,” she said.
Thornton added that the series is built around an unscripted experiment.
“If you don’t let it play out as an experiment, how can you claim that it is? There’s a lot involved in making sure it’s real, engaging and legally safe. That’s the trick – knowing when to step in and when to step back.”