Posted on 09/08/2001 7:19:14 PM PDT by Josiah6
Broadcasting regulators have ordered one of Britain's independent television networks to issue an on-air apology for a spoof documentary on pedophilia.
The Independent Television Commission (ITC) ruled Thursday that the "Brass Eye" episode was "offensive to public feeling" and, in a rare move, the ITC instructed Channel 4 to apologize to the public.
The program quickly became one of the most controversial TV shows in British history when it was first broadcast in July. The network received more than 2,000 complaints and the ITC received about 1,000 more. The commission also received 750 messages expressing support for the network.
One of the show's sketches showed a pedophile being burned to death upon release from jail. Other scenes included a pedophile rap artist performing with a doll attached to his groin and a segment on child beauty pageant contestants having breast surgery.
The program's producers also duped several celebrities into filming public service announcements for fictional anti-pedophile charities
David Quantick, who co-wrote the show, told the BBC shortly after the show aired that Brass Eye was "about media attitudes to pedophilia and the way the media apparently exploits it." It also showed the "willingness of celebrities to endorse things just because they want a bit of publicity," Quantick said.
Several UK government ministers lambasted the program, and it was later revealed that some had not even seen the program before issuing statements to the press.
While the ITC said that it "supports the channel's right to produce challenging, original and sometimes disturbing material," it found that the Brass Eye program crossed the line and was offensive to viewers.
The commission said that a warning broadcast before the show was inadequate and may have led viewers to believe they were watching an actual documentary rather than a spoof. The show was preceded by an announcement that stated: "Now on 4, a 'Brass Eye' special which takes an uncompromising look at the subject of pedophilia. This programme contains scenes which some viewers might find disturbing."
The commission also took issue with the use of child actors in the program. While the ITC found that Channel 4 took all necessary steps to ensure that the children appearing in the show were protected, "[viewers] saw what appeared to them to be a succession of scenes in which children were apparently placed in highly inappropriate and harmful situations."
Channel 4 contends that the show was a valid social commentary on the controversy that raged in the UK last summer when after an eight-year-old girl was murdered. The country's best-selling Sunday tabloid, the News of the World, subsequently launched a campaign to expose pedophiles, printing their names, pictures and home areas.
Several vigilante attacks resulted and several people were targeted in cases of mistaken identity. Child advocates said the "name and shame" campaign made some pedophiles go underground, making them harder to track.
Network officials were unrepentant Friday. Tim Gardam, Channel 4's programming director, called the ITC ruling "confusing and contradictory."
"We made the programme with extreme care to follow the ITC guidelines and took account of previous ITC rulings to guide our decisions," Gardam said. "What is disappointing and confusing about the ITC ruling is that it contradicts previous decisions where they supported programs of a similar nature."
"Channel 4 is proud of Brass Eye," Gardam continued. "It is a fine example of a serious innovative and authored programme at a time when there is a widespread criticism of the bland conformity of much of television. Brass Eye is the sort of demanding disturbing and intelligent program that it is our remit to make."
Michael Jackson, the channel's chief executive, told reporters Thursday: "Despite the ITC's ruling, Channel 4 is unwavering in its support for Brass Eye and we would not hesitate to commission or transmit such a program again."
Channel 4 claims 40 percent of calls from viewers backed the decision to screen the show.
Calling any Baldwin brother.
That could happen here!!!
In an alternate universe
Sounds OK to me.
No complaints here.
You bringing the marshmallows?
Starting from the top, King Albert?
Starting from the top, King Albert?
He's a pedophilia?
I don't know. There have been rumours to that effect for some time now. Unless and until the case of Marc Dutroux, pedophile, murderer, and pimp to the European elite is allowed to come to trial, we may never know.
Don't hold your breath.
I would post a link to the so called "Pink Ballet" thread that deals with the Dutroux case, but I'd surely botch the HTML. Perhaps askel5 can bail me out again by posting the link...
If that guy is innocent, I'm the Queen of England.
Ah, I understand now.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.