Menu
24/05/2007
Channel 4 to broadcast apology over 'Celebrity Big Brother'
Channel 4 will have to broadcast an apology over the race row in this year's series of 'Celebrity Big Brother' after being in breach of media regulator Ofcom's code of conduct.
Channel 4 will have to broadcast a summary of the regulator's findings on three separate occasions - once at the beginning of the new series of 'Big Brother', which begins next Wednesday, again before the first re-versioned programme the following day and before the first eviction show.
Ofcom said that Channel 4 had made "serious editorial misjudgements" in the handling of the incidents involving the alleged racist treatment of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty by other housemates former 'Big Brother' contestant Jade Goody, model Danielle Lloyd and former S Club 7 singer Jo O'Meara.
Ofcom singled out three occasions where it felt that Channel 4 had failed. These were: an incident where Goody referred to Shetty as "Shilpa Poppadom"; an incident where Lloyd used foul language to say that Shetty should 'go home'; and the row over Shetty cooking a chicken, during which both Lloyd and O'Meara made offensive comments about Indian eating habits.
Ofcom also said that unseen footage, showing Goody's boyfriend Jack Tweed, making up an offensive limerick about the Indian actress, did exist, something which producers Endemol had denied.
Ed Richards, Ofcom Chief Executive, said: "Ofcom takes allegations of racist abuse and bullying on television extremely seriously. An unprecedented number of complaints were received.
"It is essential that broadcasters are able to air challenging and controversial material but in doing so they must have effective compliance procedures in place and must exercise their editorial duties responsibly."
Channel 4 said that it accepted that ruling and apologised again for any offence caused to viewers.
Endemol also issued a statement in which they said they accepted Ofcom's findings and "sincerely regretted" the offence caused by the events in the show.
Ofcom received nearly 45,000 complaints about the last series of 'Celebrity Big Brother', which was broadcast in January.
(KMcA/JM)
Channel 4 will have to broadcast a summary of the regulator's findings on three separate occasions - once at the beginning of the new series of 'Big Brother', which begins next Wednesday, again before the first re-versioned programme the following day and before the first eviction show.
Ofcom said that Channel 4 had made "serious editorial misjudgements" in the handling of the incidents involving the alleged racist treatment of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty by other housemates former 'Big Brother' contestant Jade Goody, model Danielle Lloyd and former S Club 7 singer Jo O'Meara.
Ofcom singled out three occasions where it felt that Channel 4 had failed. These were: an incident where Goody referred to Shetty as "Shilpa Poppadom"; an incident where Lloyd used foul language to say that Shetty should 'go home'; and the row over Shetty cooking a chicken, during which both Lloyd and O'Meara made offensive comments about Indian eating habits.
Ofcom also said that unseen footage, showing Goody's boyfriend Jack Tweed, making up an offensive limerick about the Indian actress, did exist, something which producers Endemol had denied.
Ed Richards, Ofcom Chief Executive, said: "Ofcom takes allegations of racist abuse and bullying on television extremely seriously. An unprecedented number of complaints were received.
"It is essential that broadcasters are able to air challenging and controversial material but in doing so they must have effective compliance procedures in place and must exercise their editorial duties responsibly."
Channel 4 said that it accepted that ruling and apologised again for any offence caused to viewers.
Endemol also issued a statement in which they said they accepted Ofcom's findings and "sincerely regretted" the offence caused by the events in the show.
Ofcom received nearly 45,000 complaints about the last series of 'Celebrity Big Brother', which was broadcast in January.
(KMcA/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 January 2004
Entrepreneur appointed Chairman of Channel 4
The next Chairman of Channel 4 is to be Ivy restaurant entrepreneur Luke Johnson. Industry watchdog, Ofcom announced that Johnson, 42, the Chairman of Signature Restaurants (formerly Belgo Group) will take over the role of chairman at the UK's fourth television channel.
Entrepreneur appointed Chairman of Channel 4
The next Chairman of Channel 4 is to be Ivy restaurant entrepreneur Luke Johnson. Industry watchdog, Ofcom announced that Johnson, 42, the Chairman of Signature Restaurants (formerly Belgo Group) will take over the role of chairman at the UK's fourth television channel.
20 December 2007
Ofcom Fine Channel 4 £1.5 Million
Media watchdog Ofcom has fined Channel 4 £1 million over misconduct involving competition phone-ins. It emerged that viewers had been urged to make calls after the competition winners had already been chosen on Richard and Judy.
Ofcom Fine Channel 4 £1.5 Million
Media watchdog Ofcom has fined Channel 4 £1 million over misconduct involving competition phone-ins. It emerged that viewers had been urged to make calls after the competition winners had already been chosen on Richard and Judy.
25 February 2014
Ofcom To Investigate Benefits Street
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom is to investigate Channel 4's Benefits Street following more than 1,700 complaints. It is understood that viewer were angered by the documentary series' portrayal of benefit claimants, with the show's depiction of crime specifically resulting in hundred of complaints to both the regulator and Channel 4.
Ofcom To Investigate Benefits Street
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom is to investigate Channel 4's Benefits Street following more than 1,700 complaints. It is understood that viewer were angered by the documentary series' portrayal of benefit claimants, with the show's depiction of crime specifically resulting in hundred of complaints to both the regulator and Channel 4.
08 May 2008
Ofcom Hits ITV With Record Fine
Ofcom have fined ITV £5.67 million for breaching codes of conduct in relation to viewer phone-ins. The record fine follows an investigation by the regulator into the broadcaster's most popular shows.
Ofcom Hits ITV With Record Fine
Ofcom have fined ITV £5.67 million for breaching codes of conduct in relation to viewer phone-ins. The record fine follows an investigation by the regulator into the broadcaster's most popular shows.
21 April 2004
Ofcom unveils results of first phase of PSB Review
Television viewers believe there is a lack of original and innovative programming on the main terrestrial channels, and value quality, impartial news coverage and children’s programming. These were just some of the findings revealed by Ofcom, as it published the findings of the first phase of the Public Service Broadcasting Review.
Ofcom unveils results of first phase of PSB Review
Television viewers believe there is a lack of original and innovative programming on the main terrestrial channels, and value quality, impartial news coverage and children’s programming. These were just some of the findings revealed by Ofcom, as it published the findings of the first phase of the Public Service Broadcasting Review.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
