Viewers Divided On Gay Programmes

According to research conducted by CIA Sensor, the public are divided on whether programmes aimed primarily at a gay audience, such as BBC2’s Gaytime TV and Channel 4’s Dyke TV should be encouraged.

Just under half of adults questioned (46%) have no opinion on the subject. Those with an opinion are split between voting against such programmes (28%) and for them (23%).

CIA found younger people and heavy Channel 4 viewers are the most liberal. A third, 32% of 15-24 year olds and 29% of heavy/medium Channel 4 viewers agree that TV programmes for the gay community should be encouraged. Half of over 55 year olds, 49% believe that gay programmes should be discouraged CIA Sensor also asked viewers which TV channel they think provides the most entertaining soap operas. ITV is the clear favourite with 44%. BBC1 is second (18%) followed by Channel 4 (6%). UK Gold scores 4% overall, but is voted top by 13% of cable and satellite subscribers.

Young viewers are more likely to prefer BBC1’s soap output. Over one third (36%) of 15-24 year olds voted BBC1 their favourite channel for soaps. ITV came second within this group (27%) and Channel 4 third (12%).