In the latest report from the Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC) an episode of EastEnders receives 16 complaints for its story in which a young couple learn that their unborn baby has spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Viewers believed that the couple’s response and subsequent storyline were unsuitably difficult viewing for the schedule. The BBC said that the production team had sought consultation and advice from the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. It claimed that it was not the programme-makers’ intention to suggest that the course chosen by the couple was right or wrong.
The BSC did not uphold the complaint saying that the subject was handled sensitively and with due care for the reality of the condition.
…An edition Channel 5’s The Jack Docherty Show was the cause of four complaints about the inclusion of an ‘offensive sexual anecdote’ in the programme. In an interview with a well-known jazz musician, who has recently released an autobiography exploring his sexual relationships, there was a description of licking semen from a plate.
Channel 5 argues that the complaints stem from the fact that the story involved a homosexual relationship. It also claims that the material was in keeping with the style and late-night scheduling of the show. However, the BSC believes that the material was inappropriate for broadcast and that the audience appeared to be genuinely shocked at the detail of the conversation. The complaint was upheld.
…Twenty-six viewers complained about the use of ‘offensive images’ in the first edition of Channel 4’s documentary series Against Nature. Four viewers complained about the inclusion of a sterilisation operation in programme two, and four viewers complained about footage of animal experimentation in programme three.
Channel 4 says the series, which questioned environmentalism, used factual and academic material to examine environmentalist politics. The broadcaster says it took care to ensure that the material was neither gratuitous nor unduly graphic.
The BSC noted that many of the complaints concerned allegations of bias and inaccuracy which don’t fall under the Commission’s remit. It therefore only concerned itself with those aspects which related to offence against taste and decency. In the light of this, the complaints were not upheld.
…An advertisement for The Jerry Springer Show on Clyde 1 FM received a complaint saying that it was promoting lesbianism. The ad featured a woman confessing to wanting to try a lesbian experience with two other women.
Clyde 1 FM says that it had expressed concern to the agency which made the booking and agreed that it was not suitable for a general service on Sunday when families might be listening. The BSC considered that, in the light of scheduling advice given by the Radio Advertising Clearance Centre, it had been inappropriately scheduled. The complaint was upheld.
Broadcasting Standards Commission: 0171 233 0398
