He went to interview for an I.T. job and wound up live on the BBC
The 20-year legacy of one of broadcast media’s biggest blunders.
From The Times
May 7, 2026

Guy Goma realized he was in the wrong place when it became clear he was about to be on live television. One morning in May 2006, Goma went to the BBC headquarters in London to interview for an I.T. position and was quickly ushered into a room and told to sit at a table opposite a news anchor he recognized.

A man stands outside an office building with a “BBC Studios” sign above revolving doors.

Elliott Gotkine

What came next was familiar to anyone who has been unprepared at work.

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