Rated/Slated – October 08

Despite the media furore surrounding him, Russell Brand’s Ponderland proved to C4’s most appreciated programme last month. Meanwhile, Jamie’s Ministry of Food generated the most complaints, mostly due to the strong language used throughout the show.

Channel 4’s viewer enquiries team handled a total of 17,603 contacts (phone calls and emails) from viewers in October. Each query was logged and the appropriate people at Channel 4 notified. Of these contacts, 1,071 criticised the channel and its shows, while 445 complimented the programmes broadcast.

Top 10 programmes most appreciated by people who contacted Viewer Enquiries in October 2008 (quote is an example of viewer comment):

1. Russell Brand’s Ponderland (212 comments)
   “I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for choosing to show Ponderland tonight. Russell is a comedy legend and I feel as though he has been really unfairly portrayed this week.”
2. The Shooting of Thomas Hurndall (84)
   “I just wanted to praise Channel 4 for the drama about Thomas Hurndall. The acting was brilliant, the story was deeply moving and I wish you could do more programmes like that…”
3. Britain’s Got the Pop Factor (40)
   “This was observational comedy at its brilliant best. Heartfelt congratulations to all involved, especially the comedy genius that is Peter Kay.”
4. Jamie’s Ministry of Food (38)
   “Watching Jamie’s new series was like being hit over the head with total value. I loved it… every minute. I cannot praise this programme enough (and I’m a critical viewer). Well done Channel 4.”
5. Cutting Edge: Mum, Heroin and Me (22)
   “It’s not often I find myself writing to television stations, but after seeing Cutting Edge last week I thought I should stop by and commend you for showing such a thought-provoking and informative programme.”
6. The Family (19)
   “This has been one of the best programmes on TV this year. As a married father of two young girls aged 8 and 5, it gave real insight into the teenage years and brilliantly captured the everyday excitement of ordinary family life.”
7. Cutting Edge: Bobski the Builder (17)
   “Excellent Cutting Edge tonight. I was appalled by how badly the Polish builder was treated by the family he worked for. To see the (frankly appallingly belligerent) English family crushing this seemingly honest Polish builder was shocking. “
8. Dispatches: The Trouble with British Airways (6)
   “Hallelujah! Congratulations to the Dispatches team on being the first documentary team to focus on the problems at BA. PLEASE do a follow up!!!”
9. Extraordinary Animals in the Womb (4)
   “I just wanted to say that I thought this programme was fascinating. Expertly put together and hugely entertaining as well as being educational. Well done – more of the same please!”
10. Drugs: The Lowdown on Getting High (3)
    “I just wanted to say what a fantastic programme I thought this was – it should be hitting primetime TV! Such a brilliant way it was presented, not just to say drugs are bad! But to include the breakdown of taking drugs, with expert opinions, and more importantly, the people who have actually taken the drugs, wow!”

Top 10 programmes most criticised by people who contacted Viewer Enquiries in October 2008 (quote is an example of viewer comment):

1. Jamie’s Ministry of Food (413)
   “Why does Jamie Oliver have to swear when he’s presenting a food programme of all things?  He used the ‘F’ word constantly and for no reason – there was no anger, no confrontation, just normal dialogue. I found the foul language so off-putting that I couldn’t concentrate on the programme content.”
2. Russell Brand’s Ponderland (164)
   “I hope Channel 4 will consider the BBC’s current predicament before tomorrow’s scheduled transmission of the above programme. The public are sick of the sort of inanity that the media subjects us to.”
3. Miss Naked Beauty (98)
   “This show is contradictory and unnecessary. Channel 4 and Gok Wan have really let themselves down, and I feel have lost focus within an exhausted format.”
4. Gordon Ramsay’s Cookalong Live (76)
   “Is it possible that Gordon could appear on one show without swearing? I think he is a master in his kitchen and has such expertise but on Friday I just switched him off. I couldn’t put up with him any more, sorry.”
5. Dispatches: The Trouble with British Airways (61)
   “I am writing to express my disgust at the very one-sided anti British Airways slant given to tonight’s programme. Very disappointing, shallow and poor reporting… “
6. Britain’s Got the Pop Factor (60)
   “My husband & I are thoroughly discussed and disappointed at the amount of foul language being shown at 8pm. We all love Peter Kay including our 6-year-old daughter, but we won’t be watching the next one that’s for sure. What a letdown.”
7. Cutting Edge: Bobski the Builder (60)
   “The reason I write this is in response to the appalling ‘Bobski the builder’ documentary which slated English builders as unreliable bodgers and our Polish counterparts as the best thing since sliced bread. Why are they allowed to broadcast this slanderous cheap television.”
8. The Secret Policeman’s Ball (52)
   “I am disgusted and disappointed at the level of filth and sexual comment that has been delivered under the guise of comedy in the name of Amnesty International, at The Secret Policeman’s Ball. I have had to switch off to avoid further offence. The content has been obscene and could not have less to do with human dignity or suffering.”
9. Brothers & Sisters (51)
   “What are you doing with this show? You change the day and the times. Aren’t you interested in it anymore? You have good TV dramas and then mess with the audience when they try and watch.”
10. The Sex Education Show (36)
    “I saw part of these shows and was disgusted with the content and nudity. It begins at eight o’clock which is far too early as young children could see this.”

How do you feel about this month’s Rated/Slated? Do you agree with the comments you’ve read?

Permalink||(8) Comments