Ofcom sanctions on Channel Four over Big Brother regrettable

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 24th May 2007

Responding to the OfCom ruling on the Celebrity Big Brother Racism Row, Dr Evan Harris Liberal Democrat MP and member of the Joint Select Committee on Human Rights, said,

"The broadcast of these programmes by Channel Four actually provided a valuable public service by demonstrating that racist attitudes and bullying behaviour are not acceptable and the alleged perpetrators of the behaviour have suffered while the victims have prospered."

"Given that there was no danger of children mimicking or supporting the unpleasant behaviour of Shilpa Shetty's antagonists and the extremely dignified way Shilpa herself has responded to the whole affair, it is regrettable that Ofcom have felt it necessary to sanction Channel Four, however mildly."

"The right of an audience to hear lawful views, the freedom of expression of broadcasters and the need to look at the overall context, all demonstrate that, while some people were undoubtedly offended, there is nothing to be gained by bullying Channel Four over the matter, especially given they have expressed regret for any offence caused."

"Calls for resignations of TV executives from Parliamentarians who are themselves adept at ritual bullying broadcast every Wednesday lunchtime are ridiculous over-reactions."