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With regular posts written by C4’s viewers’ editor and various commissioning editors, our blog is one of the best places to comment on the most high profile programmes and viewer issues. You can also rate and comment on monthly video vox pops from The TV Show’s Big 4, which travels around the country gathering honest feedback from the people who watch our shows. And if you have something you want to say about television, but can’t find anyone else discussing it on the site, please use this area to kick start the debate by leaving your comments below. We’ll keep an eye on all your comments, along with those left across channel4.com, to make sure we respond to the issues important to you.
Throughout the year, Channel 4 will also broadcast a number of TV Show debates. Hosted by Krishnan Guru-Murthy, these shows will focus on some of the bigger issues raised by viewers and give our audience another chance to let us know what they think. The next TV Show is scheduled to be broadcast in October. So, get involved in the conversation about television right now by making the most of The TV Show site. Remember, it’s your TV Show, guided by your opinions about television. Make sure you have your say!
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Dear Channel 4,
RE: Beyonce v Rihanna: Top 10
I would like to make a complaint regarding the above programme (although it could apply to many other programmes) which was shown on Saturday 20th June 10am.
I was shocked to find my daughter watching young women, scantily dressed and gyrating in a very suggestive and sexual way.
My partner and I were amazed that Channel 4 thinks that the content of this programme was suitable for young children to see. There is no parental guidance attached to these programmes and we are disturbed at the way my daughter and her friends copy this adult way of dressing, moving and posturing whilst still at primary school.
There is a lot of pressure for young girls to dress and behave in this way from their peers and programmes like this reinforces the idea that it is normal and acceptable behaviour amongst pre – pubescent children.
These children, once sexually aware, are more at risk of rape, sexual abuse, pregnancy, and STDS .
We believe that, the media is encouraging a culture based on looks rather than personality and personal achievement, and this has young women (and their mothers) seeking cosmetic surgery, botox, tanning, as well as spending huge amounts on design or clothes, handbags and shoes to feel a sense of worth.
It would make a welcome change for the media to promote sporting heroes, people with academic achievements, those overcoming physical or mental disabilities and those in public service who give their time and effort to benefit their communities; instead of the vacuous empty lives of so called celebrities.
p.s. I now see that Big Brother is also shown around 7/8 a.m. on certain mornings !!!
I’m sure the children will love it!
The attire of the women news , weather presenters and programme presenter are appalling . Lower neck line showing their cleavage, wearing shorts in T4 programmes is shocking
The media has the main responsibility in creating a good nation. The nation is bombarded with foul language in the TV programmes is quite disturbing
What a hypocrisy , children are expected to learn good manners. When they become adult they are exposed to totally deferent to what they learnt
The government is spending millions of money in education. The result is that the responsible institutions do not practice what is preached being good for the nation.
The reality TV show such as Big Brother is another example. No wonder families cannot sit and watch this show as every word spoken by the participants is full of filth.
The channel 4 promotes filthy programmes with the exception of news
Holloaks tonight Friday was fantastic. As a mature person I watch Hollyoaks as a destresser. Tonight the acting at the hopital re Ravi was fantastic. It was a very emotional programme. Well done. Plus well done to the actors who cried amazing well.
Dear Channel 4,
I was very excited to hear that e4 was going to broadcast the show ‘How I Met Your Mother.’
Having looked forward to it for some time, I was therefore disappointed to notice that cuts had been made to dialogue which I know had been there previously. I understand that cuts are sometimes necessary for a pre-watershed viewing, but the cuts made in ‘How I Met Your Mother’ were not of material that I thought was any cruder than what I have seen on ‘Friends.’
While an uncut version is provided at 2am, I am unable and unwilling to watch at that time. Would it be possible to, given the shows popularity in the US and it’s great potential popularity in the UK, move it to a later time slot, with it still remaining in primetime?
As the previous comments have pointed out, if women are seen scantily clad and gyrating on channel 4 at 10 o’clock in the morning, will a few harmless sex-related jokes really hurt at 7.30pm? The material cut from tonight’s episode was no more sexual than what I have seen on other E4 shows at a similar time.
Thank you.
will someone at C4 cancel “The Kevin Bishop Show” PLEASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSE! OMG its the worst TV show iv ever seen and the guy just aint funny, i cant believe the guy got a second series
I have always enjoyed scrapheap challenge until this new season. There was nothing wrong with the old format and therefoe the changes simply seem unnecessary. We now see little of the build time, a crucial element of the show, instead the new show seems to focus far too much on Dick and his mates who have an over inflated opinion of themselves. Dick and his “proper job” mate were annoying when they were on the show before, let alone to be on every week. what a ridiculous idea to have a competition to try to beat dicks ‘dream team’. very very poor.
What has happened to Scrapheap Challenge?
Am I the only person who feels the new format for Scrapheap Challenge is a hugely backward step changing the nature of the programme? The loss of the former presenters Robert and Lisa has removed the humour, psuedo-science and character.
I would really like to know whether this was forced on Channel 4 due to the presenters quitting the show or whether they were ‘refreshed’. Was the change felt appropriate because of costs, production values etc. Also, why was there no explanation after 10 series of the change.
Hopefully this series is just a one-off and the previous successful format will return in due course. Otherwise, I fear this is going the same way as Crystal Maze; of it’s time, then refreshed to bring in a new audience … and the audience left.
In this format, Scrapheap challenge is certainly heading for the scrapheap!
I couldn’t agree more with Richard Bellamy’s assertions. Whilst I will admit that presenters do not a show make, and to being a big fan of Dick Strawbridge’s ‘Green’ prog, I can’t see this new format of Scrapheap working. Not having the process of building the competing teams machines shown, other than that of the inevitabley ill-fated House Team, is to remove an essential componant of the format that makes the show work. I can only hope that the Heath Robinson approach to the rules and processes demonstrated in the machines as well as the show will not be repeated for the entirity of this seasons run, constructed as it seems to be from a scrapheap of limp ideas. NOT a proper job.
Well said Richard (and everyone else).. What are Channel 4 thinking about?
This format has no build time, no construction issues, no related science and no character. (Did someone in Channel 4 think ‘ten years … we’ll have to change that’ – WRONG!!)
I agree Lisa and Robert brought fun, humour and soul to the programme. Dick Strawbridge has a history on the programme but I’m afraid he doesn’t work for me. Now the show is too confused and cheap as a result. Now it’s about … well not a lot. They’ve changed the very nature of the programme for no good reason – bring back the old format and presenters or it’s an automatic lock out !!
Looks like it could be a further sign of the recession! If you look on the former presenters’ website it’s clear the production company wanted to reformat the show into something cheaper…
Well it’s certainly that now. At least they can comfort themselves that next year will be even cheaper … there won’t be any costs as nobody will be watching this version … you’ve just lost your audience (speaking for this bit of it anyway). – A real shame.
While I appreciate that corporate sponsorship of TV programmes is financially a benefit to C4 and to the ongoing production of TV programming these days I was a disgusted by the decision to run the Volkswagen sponsorship ads between the segments of 9/11: 102 minutes that changed the world.
Fair enough it is a generic sponsorship of C4 documentaries, I think in this particular case it might have been a little more sensitive considering the subject matter (and the graphic footage involved) to perhaps drop the sponsorship just for one programme.
Come on C4, has airing endless runs of Big Brother really caused you to lose your sense of perspective that much?
Pathetic
re 102 minutes,superb television,but the frequency of ads was totally inaproprate and hugely insensative,
5 commercial breaks in the 1st hour alone,,just wanted to say how disgusted i am,,at the shear show of ignorance and
what came across as disrespect from ch 4 during this deeply sadning docu,, i
mean really,,,,an add break every 10-15 mins,,during an airing like
this,,seems a bit off,,,,,,disgusting, a bit of respect for such an airing
was saDly lacking,,,
102 Minutes that changed the World.
Completely compelling viewing just a damn shame ads appeared virtually every 5 mins. Come on channel 4. An hour and a half (approx) program taking 2 hrs 10min of air time?????? Roll on more internet viewing. Remember consumer is king.
watching channel four with its adverts every 8 to 10 minutes is now beyond a joke. we dont watch any of your films because of it and now we are trying to watch a documentary on the twin towers !!! its disrespectful and insulting to the subject and equally to the viewers. my work colleges and friends are starting to refuse to have channel four on in there homes !!!!
Have just watched the documentary tonight regarding 9/11. Great programme but completely spoilt by the amount of adverts shown. I would think that 4 or so minutes is far too long. It, in my opinion, made a mockery of the tragic events which happened that day, and showed little respect for all those people who suffered so tragically. 2 hours long, but 30 minutes dedicated to adverts…Not good.
What a wonderful documentary “102 minutes that changed America” – what a shame it was ruined by Channel 4 showing “28 minutes of crass commercials” – long live the BBC, It was only 30+ years ago that Jeremy Isaacs insisted that the one episode of ‘The World At War’, depicting the holocaust, was broadcast , without adverts, on Thames TV, what a shame the same decision was not made about this event. Thanks to C4 for ruining an otherwise excellent programme.
I agree whole heartedly with the above comments. How could you possibly think it was ok, given the heartbreaking nature of the material, to intersperse it with an array of utterly crass and insensitive adverts?? Who cares about perfume, banking, or dating sites when we were watching people die? Your priorities are upside down.
Hiya, this has been bothering me for a verrry long time now. i watched a film on channel 4 a few months ago about a student teacher relationship with a red-haired girl and middle-aged man. they end up running away in a white van. it’s irish as far as i know – and i think it may have been an indie film as i can’t find it anywhere. what was this film called? it was brillaint. thanks (:
Just watched the 9/11 phone calls…. (on catch up) What the families must STILL going through. A BIG THANK YOU to the families, for the allowance of the production. One big lesson comes from this. Love wat u got today, cos it might be gone 2moro.My heart goes out to your reporters. Must have hit them toowhile reporting on this. Thanks
what a beautiful epitaph the 9/11 phone calls documentary is to the victims of this crime.
How brave the families are to share their calls and memories with us. Like many people I can remember where I was and what I was doing on that day. I was watching a film when the channel changed – or so I thought – I thought I was watching another film! It all was so unreal! Of course I came to understand that what I was watching was only too real.
This, more than anything else I have watched, has reinforced the reality of the 9/11 crime and placed a mark on me as a person.
Well done to the team who have made this film and thank you.
as a viewer of countdown I must say I do not agree with Miss Rileys choice of clothesI am 54 yrs young and if u will excuse my expresion some of the clothes she is wearing make her look all tits and ass, as she is a eautfull young lady who ever chose her wardrobe should be moved to another dep, if she wore what she would wear when going out with hern partner she would look more like beautfull on tv. I hop my coments are not too upsetting. yours sincerlly w. hughes. ps I will continue to watch countdown no matter what anybody wears
While watching your broadcast of 102 Minutes That Changed America, I
couldn’t help but E-mail this complaint…..i would NEVER normally E-Mail a
complaint to a TV broadcaster. While the program is very good, i am appalled
by the amount of highly insensitive adverts that are being shown. Every 8
minutes it breaking from terrible suffering and people dying horribly to
cheery “coco pops” ad’s or Kerry Katona faking happiness to try and sell us
some B&Q crap that we probably don’t want. I fully understand the need for
advertising but come on guys….every 8-9 minutes?? thats a step too far. I
feel it is taking away from the seriousness of the suffering that was forced
upon those involved in the tragic events of that day. I have now switched
over as i can’t stomach anymore tackiness tonight. I am a huge fan of C4 and
its various channels but i honestly think you should be ashamed of
yourselves for the “Advertising Fest” that has been displayed during such
strong, sensitive footage of a terrible day.
I find the new series of 3 Minute Wonders really banal and vacuous. They films normally give a unique and sensitive insight into various topics. I usually greatly enjoy them.
I could only manage one quarter of the way through the 102 mins that Changed America documentary before switching off due to the excessive amount of adverts. I’ve have already stopped watching films on channel 4 and using the 4OD services because of this. I’ll download and watch it from the web uninterrupted. Thanks for nothing.
I am a huge fan of Derren Brown but “the bonus ball is only for women and gays”. What on earth was that about?
The Great Italian escape has had its 2nd viewing in Sydney on Foxtel. In the lst episode Richard and Sarah and their children are walking across the Piazza in Pesche and this wonderful uplifting Italian areia comes up played by a full orchestra. What it is please. I would like to get it to play at a school function. Many thanks.
ep
The classic film Hatters’ Castle has not been shown on TV for about 20 years – it is a classic that is not readily available for rental or to buy! Any chance you could show it soon and let me know when its on?
The search for cool/ wednesday 16th sept 10:35am
While I agree with ‘Neil’ that branded clothes make us slaves to designer fashion I think his plan to burn all his clothes is a huge waste if he doesn’t want them anymore he could sell them and give the money to a charity which is a far better use of his time and fancy clothes and accesories.If anything the fact that he is choosing to burn his clothes because he’s obviously got so much money to spare, is almost insulting to the people out there who can’t even afford regular clothes. At the very least give them to a charity shop!!!!
Mondays Dispatches programme in my mind, having just found a job, all be it part time, what was missing was the detail that all jobs you apply for on the internet are through agencys, even the Job Center uses them, and that makes it more difficult to find work, because you have to tick EVERY box on there list if not, its ignored.
Shortly the German people will elect a new government. Instead of giving news which will affect us all, sauch as the electoral campaign in Germany, you spend some 10 minutes on Channel 4 News about racism towards the US president. The only interest we have in this is curiosity. German election results will certainly affect the UK (ask the Vauxall workers) as well as the rest of Europe. Has ITN News reporting now become just an adjuct of the USA news media. It seems to me that what is going on in Europe is of much greater importance than the state of the US health system over which we can only tut tut.
Surely the rest of the world is worth reporting on. It certainly consists of more than the US and its wars.
Just watching the new series of Secret Millionaire that started today, would love to know what is the name of the very 1st piece of music used on the show? Can anyone help?
Hi Tim,
The track used during the opening of last night’s episode is a library track called Pyramid – you can listen to it here.
Take a look at the episode guides on The Secret Millionaire website to find more information about the music used on previous episodes – full details on last night’s show should be published soon.
Thanks
Hello,
For all who have left a comment regarding 102 Minutes That Changed America – Paula Carter has posted a response here, providing more information on the issue of advertising during sensitive programmes.
Thanks
After watching Atlantic Convoy on Sept 20th it must come as a big surprise to the code breakers at Bletchley Park that the Americans found the Enigma code machine then broke the code,that fairy story only happened in a fact distorted Hollywood WW2 film,who scripted the film? UK or Canada?
In case I’ve confused anyone I should ask Who scripted the programme as it’s a joint UK Canada production
Just watching the ‘Mail-order bride’ documentary- is it me or has the standard of journalism on television fallen? The reporter seems very immature and unprofessional, it’s like listening to idle gossip in the office!
Location Location Location current series.
This programme used to be watched avidly by me, but last night I had to switch off because of the ‘bickering’ between Kirsty and Phil. This only alienates the viewer, and detracts from the content, however amusing you may think it is. I know you will be looking for innovative ways to catch viewers’ attention, but less of the constant chat back and forth between the two presenters would be much appreciated.
Just watching unreported world on ingushetia. What an appallingly one sided programme The reporter concerned presents only one side of an apparent conflict. There is no proof of any of the accusations made throughout the programme nor is there any real examination of the Russian side apparently because they would not cooperate in filming. It is a fact the islamic extremists cause trouble around the world. The supposition that these people are trying to simply lead a peaceful life is not borne out by the facts.
Who on earth is responsible for the transmission error this morning (Sun 27th) regarding Ironman UK at 7.50am? It should have been coverage of Ironman UK on Aug 2 from Bolton, all the pre-information and teletext said so, but the programme transmitted was coverage of Ironman 70.3 from Dorset earlier in the year. That programme had already been shown a couple of months ago. Please could you explain what’s going on?
Errm Im Reaaly Anoyed Because You Have Holloaks On Later Than Useall Now And Will Not Be Able To Watch It
I Would Also Like To Know Why
On the subject of “product placement”. I think I have already said that I thought C4 News feature on this, with a spoof studio, illustrated the potential problems of product placement very nicely.
On the other side of the coin though, I was reminded this evening that Ford got product placement absolutely right in the 1970’s with “The Sweeney”, so the idea is not new and it is not all bad.
The problem arises, I think, when businesses are required to pay to get their products featured on top TV shows. The fact that they are paying gives them a bit too much influence. That didn’t really happen in the Sweeney so far as I am aware, the TV company were only too pleased to have the cars supplied for free and Ford were only too pleased to have their cars pinching the limelight from Reagan and Carter – but perhaps Ford did decree that only the good guys should drive Fords….
There’s more on this on my blog.
Channel 4 what have you done to Scrapheap challenge? this new format is rubbish please bring back Robert L and Lisa R and teams that work on the heap not from home!! You had a great show which i enjoyed watching but this new series I’m sorry to say should be SCRAPPED!! please
Having lived with an alcoholic, I find it a little nauseating to catch the end of Keith Allen’s documentary in the company of the late Keith Floyd. There is nothing to be gained from trying to rationalise the thoughts and motives of someone clearly suffering from the influence of alcohol. Apt that I recall Keith Allen embarassing himself in a similar manner years ago on a late night chat show.
I agree with all the comments about SCRAPHEAP CHALLENGE. The new format is terrible – even my 8 year old son is unimpressed. There is no focus on the build and scavenging, instead the majority of the show is focused on the races, with Dick’s monotonous & repetitive commentary. There is also no real challenge anymore, as they are allowed to buy parts and have 4 weeks to do the build – even I could probably manage that and I’m an accountant! We got so bored with Sunday’s episode, we actually turned off before the end. Please bring back the old team and format!
Does anyone at Channel 4 look at this blog I wonder?
There don’t seem to be any “regular posts written by C4’s viewers’ editor and various commissioning editors”.
Guy
I read this blog on a regular basis, and have weekly meetings with the web site producer and the Viewer Enquries team to discuss all the issues that have been raised by viewers and agree which people within Channel 4 need to be asked to contribute a reply. I then write a weekly (most weeks!) blog including that response. The web site producer and I will also reply to individual comments, or ask the approproate Channel 4 person to do so, if the comment seems to need a specific reply. If there is something you want to comment on – please feel free……
Paula
Viewers’ Editor
I agree Richard.
i was just trying to watch the genius of charles darwin, which I’m really interested in, however it is presented in a slanderous way to god and the bible “charles darwin was beggining to find out that the earth was much older than the bible would have us to believe” is a milder insult that I’ve heard. Where exactly does it say how old the earth is in the bible? it doesn’t. Why does it have to be either or? church or science? why not both? I believe in god and that he created the earth, I also believe in between species evolution. Surely its obvious that God made everything out of the same substance seen as we are all made of hydrocarbons, have dna ect…can’t it make sense to believe in both, why do scientific programmes have to make it seem so ludicrous to have faith? its offensive. Don’t get me wrong none of the scientific information is new or offensive, just the misleading bias the presentor is putting across.
100 of deads and 4 oppositions leaders arrested and severly wounded and the only comment yet i have seen from the bbc at 2:15 am lasted 2seconds if not 1s? What hypocrisy? Are we not part of planet earth?
Jamie’s American Road Trip – great show marred by the presenter’s constant harkings to ‘back in England’. I imagine the fellow means ‘the UK’. Please edit this nonsense out for future episodes – this clown is alienating three quarters of the UK with his ignornance and he adds insult by repeating it several times. If I hear it in his next episode once it will be going off.
At the beginning of his program Richard Dawkins is introduced to a group of teenagers who he claims have been ‘made’ to believe what they do and that he isn’t trying to ‘make’ them believe. Only a moment later he’s saying that he’d like to ‘make’ them believe the truth as he see’s it.
Mr. Dawkins then takes the teenagers for a walk on a beech and tells them that the pebbles are millions of years old. No evidence, no science… He has spoken and his word is enough. This man should not be allowed near children as his teaching methods are far more indoctrinal than any religious fanatic.
This whole programme is a joke and his ‘Truth’ could be torn apart as easily as a wet tissue.
But if this program doesn’t smack those religious nutters right between the eyes then don’t worry, maybe the next one will or the one after that, or the one after that. There’s just no stopping these hate filled obsessives.
Re: the coverage of Mrs Pilkington, the woman who killed herself and her mentally disabled daughter because the police refused to help them despite 33 calls for help over a ten year period.
At the inquest the police claimed that there were no actual crimes, just anti-social behaviour. The coroner severely criticised them for this, but none of the TV news reports did. The crimes included hitting the son with an iron bar, which it seems to me constitutes assault with a deadly weapon. The police should have been verbally crucified over this.
The term “anti-social behaviour” is used to conceal the fact that serious crimes are being committed and it should be dropped by responsible media. When crimes are being committed, call it crime.
The BBC, ITV news and Channel 4 news all showed a short clip in which the Home Secretary said the case was “an exception”. That is also rubbish, but he wasn’t challenged, nor was anyone else put on after his statement was broadcast to point out he was lying. The only exceptional thing was that poor Mrs Pilkington killed her daughter as well as herself, probably because she didn’t think she would be able to cope well without her mother.
These sort of crimes are extremely common, as is the refusal of the police to respond to them, and even their refusal to acknowledge that they are crimes. This has happened to me, and drove me to a mental breakdown from which I never recovered. Relatives of mine have also been terrorised, which was completely unrelated. I’ve also read of other cases where people were driven mad or committed suicide.
The whole issue deserves more coverage. I would like radical options like amputation, exile, and execution to be considered. People who argue for lenient treatment of young criminals should be forced to answer the charge that they are responsible for what happened to Mrs Pilkington and her daughter, and for many of other tragedies. These people include the makers and broadcasters of documentaries like “The Trouble with Girls”; London Tonight, and Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty. They should be door-stepped until they answer.
Hi – i’d just like to say how much i’ve enjoyed ‘the Secret Millionare’ It is both hearwarming and very eye-opening about a lot of the problems in Britain. Well done Chanel 4 and keep up the good work!!
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