British Standards Council: Annual Report 1995-96

The BSC reported yesterday that the largest amount of complaints received this year concerned aspects of taste and decency. These include complaints of tasteless humour, racist remarks, religious offense and the portrayal of suffering. Altogether, there was an 11% increase in complaints concerning violence Violence Remains Viewers’ Prime Concern, sex, and issues of taste and decency. This resulted in a 45% rise of complaints over the last two years.

Compared to last years figure of 20%, upheld complaints increased to 25% with the most concerning BBC1 and ITV. There have also been rises in upheld complaints regarding BBC2 and Channel 4.

An issue of concern is the current trend of late night youth television. Lady Howe, chairperson of the BSC, made it clear that concern was focused on the type of subjects covered in the programmes. She stressed that although the BSC recognises changes in youth culture, concern was generated because many complaints received were from young people. Lady Howe said that these programmes seem “to pander to the lowest rather than concentrate on the highest standards in this area.”

The increase of complaints regarding “victim entertainment,” such as Beadles About, were worrying because of the growth of new programmes in this genre. It was also emphasised that care should be taken with material directly following children’s television or the hour before the 9.00pm watershed. This is due to inappropriate criteria, such as sexual themes in Neighbours, being shown.

The BSC also announced that it will merge with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission from April 1997 and the new body will look at fairness and standards in broadcasting.

BSC: 0171 233 0544