Rated/Slated – Sept 09

102 Minutes that Changed America was the programme that triggered most response from viewers last month. Though the award-winning 9/11 documentary received a relatively high number of appreciative comments, its broadcast also generated the most criticism, largely due to the amount of advertising shown during the programme, which was deemed too frequent and insensitive by many who contacted the channel.

Channel 4’s viewer enquiries team handled a total of 6,621 contacts (phone calls and emails) from viewers in September. Each comment or query was logged and the appropriate people at Channel 4 notified. Of these contacts, 1,310 criticised the channel and its shows, while 324 complimented the programmes broadcast.

Top 10 programmes most appreciated by people who contacted Viewer Enquiries in September 2009 (quote is an example of viewer comment):

1. 102 Minutes that Changed America (12 comments)
   I would just like to comment on how brilliant I thought this documentary was. I loved how there was no narration – it was just straight from the perspective of ordinary New Yorkers. I think that your channel makes some of the best documentaries because they give a true insight into events, which I believe needs to be seen, especially on the matter of 9/11. This certainly did not disappoint. I hope you keep up the good work of producing and/or selecting these fine documentaries. Best documentary of 2009.
2. Keith Meets Keith (12)
   After hearing the tragic news about Keith this morning I just wanted to thank you guys for this brilliant show last night. I laughed the whole way through and thought we really got to see a side of Keith not seen before. Although me and my friends are completely gutted, the show last night has left us with happy memories about what a wonderful man he was.
3. Alone in the Wild (11)
   C4 and Ed Wardle must be congratulated on such a terrific programme that succeeded on so many levels. Ed was brave not just in the physical sense but also to show such raw emotions; fear, loneliness, distress and luckily – joy… Indeed, this was the perfect counterpoise to comfy creature/survival programmes and shows why C4 still has a cutting edge. Please pass on my thanks, admiration and respect to Ed – what a tremendous achievement.
4. Jamie’s American Road Trip (9)
   What a brilliant programme. The camera work is fantastic. The researchers found such interesting people for Jamie to meet. The food that Jamie cooks is such great “Man Food”. His manner is so entertaining and it makes you want to be there. I cannot wait for the next helping!
5. First Cut: The Boy who was Born a Girl (8)
   I am enormously grateful for this sensitively handled and positive documentary. And judging by the barrage of glowing comments received after the airing I am not the only one. I would wholeheartedly like to offer my gratitude. Society is so often misinformed when it comes to transsexualism. I can only see documentaries such as this as being nothing short of a breakthrough.
6. Kevin McCloud’s Grand Tour (8)
   What an intelligent, informative and fun programme. Fantastic! More please!
7. The Secret Millionaire (8)
   I must compliment the programme in general for a well presented programme put together with great care and passion.
8. Dispatches: MPs, Planes and Gravy Trains (7)
   What would we the public do without organisations like Channel 4 and Dispatches or the Daily Telegraph who cut through the barriers and expose the gravy train that Parliament gets free rides on (how about Euro MPs next). For years I’ve been meaning to write to say I enjoy most all of your programming but tonight’s Dispatches programme tonight raised my blood pressure to such a level I had to do purge myself! Keep up the excellent work and excellent programming and Channel 4 News is the BEST also.
9. The Paul O’Grady Show (7)
   I Love the Paul O’Grady Show and I think Paul is the Best!! I always love how he tries to re-home dogs. As an animal lover myself I think this is fantastic and hope he keeps up with the good work.
10. True Stories: The Shock Doctrine (6)
    What an excellent documentary. Well compiled and collated. 10/10. Thank you!

Top 10 programmes most criticised by people who contacted Viewer Enquiries in September 2009 (quote is an example of viewer comment):

1. 102 Minutes that Changed America (88)
   Trying to watch this documentary was made near impossible by the relentless ad breaks, every 10 mins. I find myself watching Channel 4 program increasingly less because of this factor. It may seem a great idea for extra revenue but I think you my find it will have adverse effect on your viewers.
2. Derren Brown: How to Win the Lottery (70)
   I have never watched one of his shows before and will never again, the whole programme was advertised as explaining his illusion yet I feel I have lost an hour of my life watching something that didn’t explain it. When I watch “magic” shows I know I’m not going to find out how it’s done but when a TV programme actually claims to say how he did it and didn’t, I feel I have been lied to. I am very disappointed in Channel 4 behaving in such a manner.
3. The Kevin Bishop Show (45)
   I have watched the Kevin Bishop Show before and have found it disturbing but I can’t believe you can get away with showing the contents in this show! This show is completely insensitive and I can’t see how Channel 4 can air this! I refuse to watch this programme and am disgusted with Channel 4.
4. Jamie’s American Road Trip (42)
   Are you insane? Why would you willingly show (and therefore support) the horrible cruelty that has gone on for years and years in the USA’s burger industries greed of castrating cows (and horses, oh yes) I have been a massive flag-waver for Jamie Oliver – but his true colours shown here …
5. Scrapheap Challenge (35)
   What has happened to the presenters and format of the programme? Lisa Rogers and Robert Llewellyn were a winning combination. They had a good rapport and sparked off each other well… The new presenters lack charisma and the necessary humour. Also with the new format we don’t see the same gradual design progress, disasters, triumphs and the 10 hour struggle to be ready for the challenge. If it’s a winning formula why change it?
6. Keith Meets Keith (29)
   I was looking forward to this programme but it was ruined for me by the language, particularly used by KF… I understand C4 can’t be responsible for a third party’s language, but it does have editing rights and I’m dismayed that C4 didn’t even bleep the “c” word… offensive to most women… Shame, it ruined a good programme.
7. Alone in the Wild (26)
   If Channel 4 covers my costs, I will go it alone in the wild for 100 days in the same place as Ed. I can’t understand why you put this on your channel.
8. Derren Brown: How to Control the Nation (24)
   It is a piece of ***, it is a con and he should be taken off television.
9. The Secret Millionaire (22)
   Can’t believe the rubbish I have just watched. What a self-obsessed individual. Very over exaggerated, trying as usual to make Liverpool look awful. Hope he never comes back. Also -not a good idea to try to pass off other areas of Liverpool incorrectly.
10. The Paul O’Grady Show (22)
    I cannot believe that you have asked Paul to take a 30% pay cut! As a result of this we will lose a very good show, as he goes possibly to Sky. Lets be honest, if the staff were asked to take a 30% pay cut there would be 100% walkout, why then should Paul accept it? It’s disgraceful treatment of a star who has brought plenty into the coffers of C4.

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