ITC Dismisses Complaints Against Channel 4’s Public Autopsy
The ITC has dismissed complaints against Channel 4’s televised post-mortem, Autopsy, claiming it did not breach taste and decency guidelines.
The ITC received 34 complaints regarding the programme, which featured edited sections of a public autopsy conducted by Professor Gunther von Hagens in East London. Complainants expressed concern that the programme was offensive to taste and decency.
Department Of Health officials declared the event illegal and the subsequent broadcast on Channel 4 attracted considerable media attention.
Channel 4 claimed that “great care” was taken to ensure that no images were included that could have been too upsetting for viewers or could appear to disrespect the body. Specific approval for each shot was given by senior staff within Channel 4.
Channel 4 argued that the programme was a genuine attempt to present anatomical and public health information through the contribution of two pathologists. The pathologists explained how the organs fitted together and functioned and the changes brought about by disease and the process of decay after death.
The broadcaster felt that the programme presented an opportunity to dispel some of the confusion and misapprehension that people feel when they learn that a loved one has been or will be subject to a post-mortem examination. They also pointed to the fact the programme included comment by three invited expert guests and discussion concerning the moral and ethical issues raised by the autopsy.
According to the ITC, this discussion provided sufficient balance to the criticism the show received for sensationalism and showmanship.
In fact, despite the media circus that accompanied the programme, the ITC felt that it did not include any images that were more explicit than those already seen on UK television. According to the regulator, the programme was not the first autopsy to be shown on TV, and several science and medical programmes have included similar anatomically explicit sequences.
The ITC also noted that the programme, which began at 11.45pm, was well after the watershed, and the images of the autopsy were not included until after midnight. There were also five clear and specific warnings to inform the viewer about the nature of the programme.
In conclusion the ITC stated that although the subject matter and content of the programme approached the limits of what is allowed by the programme code, those limits were not exceeded.
In a separate ruling the ITC has upheld complaints against Channel 4’s breakfast show RI:SE, for causing offence to Christians. The show featured a Jesus action figure, which the presenter dropped into a mug of water and announced: “Sorry to shatter the illusions of centuries but it’s a myth. Jesus did not walk on water”. Another presenter wondered whether, if the head was pressed, it would dispense loaves and fishes.
Channel 4 recently denied speculation that RI:SE is to be axed after viewing figures hovered around the 100,000 mark (see Channel 4 To Keep RI:SE Despite Drop In Ratings).
ITC: 0207 306 7743 www.itc.org.uk
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