Channel 4 Told To Watch Its Mouth

The ITC has upheld complaints against Channel 4 for failing to cover up Madonna’s use of the word “motherfucker” during its coverage of the Turner Prize award ceremony last December.

During the ceremony, which was screened before the 9pm watershed, Madonna who was presenting an award said: “At a time when political correctness is valued over honesty, I would like to say, right on motherfucker.” Channel 4 used a bleep in an effort to cover up the word but viewers still complained that the language was unacceptable.

Channel 4, which broadcast an apology immediately after the incident (see Channel 4 Sorry Over Swearing), said that it had made great efforts to caution Madonna about the need to avoid inappropriate behaviour and had made arrangements to mask any bad language that occurred.

The ITC acknowledged the channel’s efforts and recognised the fact that its “trust in Madonna was abused.” However, it concluded that the failure to properly cover up Madonna’s outburst represented a breach in the programming code.

ITC: 020 7255 3000 www.itc.org.uk

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