Channel 5 Stays With Controversial Programming For New Schedule

Channel 5 is sticking to what it does best in its autumn programme schedule, announced this week. The station, which was criticised earlier this year by the Broadcasting Standards Commission (see Channel 5 Erotic Dramas Criticised By BSC) for ‘eroding the standards of UK television’, has a schedule that features the usual mix of films, sport and sex. Top of the controversy list is a documentary called Female Orgasm and Sexual Intercourse, a late night chat show for people to discuss aspects of their sex life.

Channel 5 announced that the new season of programmes will feature 30 new series and a further 43 returning series. New programmes to hit the screen this autumn include the return of It’s A Knockout, hosted by Keith Chegwin and Lucy Alexander; a three part part documentary about the Moors Murders and the first appearance on terrestrial television for the blockbuster film Independence Day.

It was revealed yesterday that Channel 5 was well on the way to meeting its audience targets, having enjoyed a 5% plus viewing share for the past 16 weeks. Channel 5’s audience share has grown from 4.5% in January to 5.6% for June. C5 also stated that it was on course to make an operating profit by next year, with the programming budget increasing from £115 million to at least £150 million in 2004.

Dawn Airey, director of programmes for Channel 5 said: “I’m confident these programmes will see us reach new heights. In fact I’ll stick my neck out and say that the line up I’ve outlined will see the ratings for autumn being our best ever.”

Channel 5: 0171 550 5553