Channel 4’s viewer enquiries team handled a total of 12,104 contacts (phone calls and emails) from viewers in October. Each comment or query was logged and the appropriate people at Channel 4 notified. Of these contacts, 1,373 criticised the channel and its shows, while 366 complimented the programmes broadcast.

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

1. Katie: My Beautiful Face (132 contacts)
   I just want to say I was really impressed with your recent documentary Katie: My Beautiful Face. I think Katie has been so brave in overcoming her recent attack. I wish her all the best on her road to recovery and re-gaining her confidence. I know when she looks in the mirror she sees a different person but I think she is not only beautiful on the outside but also on the inside.
2. The Force (17)
   What a riveting, unmissable programme. This is real Policing. Dogged, time consuming and tedious at times. But what a great result.
3. Race and Intelligence: Science’s Last Taboo (16)
   Many thanks Channel 4. This excellent programme was of great value to me, as a white working class male. From it I was able to understand my own role in the continued education of my children. More, I realised how important my own role is in educating my grandchildren and even questioning the ability of their teachers who were brought to account by this extraordinary piece of investigative journalism. My personal thanks go out to all involved.
4. The Secret Millionaire (13)
   A secret gem of a TV series that never fails to surprise but this episode shines out as an example of TV at its best.
5. Kevin McCloud’s Grand Tour (12)
   Thoroughly enjoying this programme. Mr McCloud is an excellent travelling companion. He should do more such informative and lively programmes. Excellent!
6. The Event: How Racist Are You? (11)
   Excellent show, I appreciate the work that Channel 4 do in showing diverse Britain. This show was exceptional and brave and very honest in the portrayal of a system of power that if corrupt can enhance and maintain racism. Programmes such as this show how we are growing and becoming less ignorant, and willing to change, and hopefully little by little the media can help.
7. How to Look Good Naked (8)
   Dear Gok, thank you so very much for having a 61yr old lady on your programme. Being 63yrs myself, I feel we oldies are being put aside as being too old to bother about. That lady looked gorgeous. I look much older than I am, but that gives me hope.
8. Jamie’s American Road Trip (70)
   Fantastic, fantastic show. Congratulations to Jamie for endeavouring to show us the real, more interesting sides of life. The series has been excellent – each episode a treat!
9. The Family – series one (6)
   The Family was one of the best programs I’ve ever seen on television! The way it was filmed and edited together to make stories about real family issues was great and because the Hughes family were down to earth, everybody could relate to the programme. It was so addictive, please bring it back for a second series!
10. Hollyoaks Later (5)
    I’d just like to thank you for 5 hours of gripping magic in the form of Hollyoaks Later. I was crying both due to suspense and sadness but also due to laughing too hard! Stunning performances from all actors and EXCELLENT storylines. Very disappointed to see Sarah leave though!

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

1. America’s Sweethearts (216 contacts)
   WHAT HAPPENED? 1 hr 40 mins into the film – on the last stretch working its way to the romantic ending and WHAT? Someone pushes the re-start button and here we are back at the VERY beginning of the movie!!!!
2. Bodyshock: Age 8 and Wanting a Sex Change (79)
   Why was it so necessary to continuously use inappropriate gender pronouns when narrating about the kids? The parents of all the children were using the correct terms, so why was it so difficult to follow their lead?
3. True Blood (74)
   The programme cut out 2 or 3 minutes before the end of the screening, there was an announcement that there was a technical fault and when it came back we were just shown the end titles and was not able to see the end of the programme, so we don’t know what happened at the end.
4. KNTV Sex (52)
   I cannot believe this program is being broadcast, this is outrageous and I have never seen anything like it in my life before, sex should be taught by parents or teachers with parental consent, not by television as parents go about their daily household procedures they trust the television for what their children watch; what if parents don’t want their children to see this awful program!? this is an enormous risk for Channel4 and I’m confident I won’t be the only one complaining
5. Bleach, Nip, Tuck: The White Beauty Myth (23)
   What was the purpose of this documentary? How does a black lady wanting smaller boobs mean that she wants to be white? But a white person obsessively covering themselves in fake tan in an effort to be darker doesn’t feature here. This was more like a comedy than a documentary.
6. The Genius of Charles Darwin (19)
   Darwin was not a genius, he was a fraud, a self confessed liar and attention seeker. The programme is also fraudulent in that it presents evolution as a fact when clearly it is not. A theory only becomes fact when there is empirical evidence plus actual fossils of intermediate species to prove it. You are being used to promote a perpetual fraud on the public. There is absolutely no proof that evolution is fact and I challenge anyone to prove it. You should in all fairness announce prior to broadcast that evolution is still only a fact.
7. Scrapheap Challenge (19)
   The new format is extremely poor and offers nothing of the passion or interest that the older format did – it feels like a second rate alternative. Disappointing.
8. School of Comedy (17)
   I would like to know who in your company finds it funny for children to swear on air, it is disgusting for such writers to have children use such language. Using children to act like adults is OK but the use of such language is close to child abuse, and you should be ashamed of yourselves, you can make this program funny without this language.
9. Hollyoaks Later (15)
   I’m absolutely horrified at the way the Sarah/Lydia/Zoe storyline has played out. We are desperately in need of some positive lesbian role models on TV but instead we get Lydia, a psycho stalker who is abhorrent, and Sarah who is now dead. Excellent, the old cliche of a lesbian being evil or dying is continued. Just what a load of impressionable teenagers need. Please can we have some positive representation of lesbians or bisexual women!!
10. The Enemy Within (13)
    I don’t understand what you are trying to achieve with this broadcast. Allowing a forum for religious hatred? This seems incredibly imbalanced & I’m sick of hearing justification for the 7/7 bombings particularly when the drawing on historical reference appears to glamorize it. Air time to terrorism in any form is wrong.

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.

How the Other Half Live

Channel 4’s viewer enquiries team handled a total of 13,116 contacts (phone calls and emails) from viewers in August. Each query was logged and the appropriate people at Channel 4 notified. Of these contacts, 2,324 criticised the channel and its shows, while 300 complimented the programmes broadcast.

Big Brother attracted 1,260 complaints and 65 appreciative comments in August.

Top 10 programmes most appreciated by people who contacted Viewer Enquiries in August 2009, excluding Big Brother (quote is an example of viewer comment):

1. How the Other Half Live (34 contacts)
   What an amazing concept, so excited to see such a positive project. Please continue with this series as long as possible. Showing how we can close the gap between rich and poor in this way will do more for the attitude of our nation than any political agenda will ever do. Well done, so motivating and influential.
2. Revelations (20)
   Just wanted to say how fantastic the whole series has been – informative, balanced, and just the kind of quality religious broadcasting that is missing from the rest of TV at the moment. Keep up the good work. Thanks!
3. The Scandalous Adventures of Lord Byron (7)
   What a fabulous programme. Rupert Everett is so engaging and was a perfect choice for this programme. He has an aura that draws the viewer into the story. Beautifully shot and presented loved it, more on this line please.
4. You Have Been Watching (6)
   I have really enjoyed this series!! I think Charlie Brooker is an excellent host and I love the format of the show. I’ve watched all of them several times on 4oD!! Please make some more!!
5. Benefit Busters (6)
   I’m only half way through watching this programme and am so very impressed that C4 has chosen to bring this onto a public agenda. Please – PLEASE – make sure that the government dept in charge of benefits get a personalised copy of this to ensure they have access to what it’s really like in the real world.
6. Inside Nature’s Giants (6)
   I really enjoyed Inside Nature’s Giants, and I hope that you are planning further series. It is the best science education show to appear on television in the last 5 or 6 years, and in some ways, it beats the best the BBC has to offer. I particularly liked that the show pressed on with explaining complex concepts, instead of the usual dumbing down. Well done!
7. On Tour with the Queen (6)
   This is Kwame at his best. What a well researched and highly enlightening piece of documentary. It really gives a balanced insight into the histories and stories behind the tour, and the Commonwealth in general. Kwame adds his own, very unique and often amusing insights and methods into the mix which makes for scintillating viewing. More like this please. Thanks and well done!
8. How Clean is Your House? (4)
   I cannot believe the impact this has had on my daughter…. She is three and walks round telling everyone it’s her fav programme! (Sorry Cbeebies)
9. Dispatches: The War Against Street Weapons (3)
   Thank you Channel 4 for producing such an excellent community orientated programme on knife crime. Can we have more of the same please? Many thanks.
10. The West Wing (3)
    Thank you very much for showing the whole of The West Wing which I watched first time round and thoroughly enjoyed watching again. Also thank you very much for including the quiz in the series link. I hadn’t realised it was on and it came as nice wee surprise when it automatically recorded after the final episode.

Top 10 programmes most criticised by people who contacted Viewer Enquiries in August 2009, excluding Big Brother (quote is an example of viewer comment):

1. The Kevin Bishop Show (107)
   I have been a long admirer of Channel 4 and their programmes. But seriously, The Kevin Bishop Show is poor, the jokes are non-existent, the impersonations are lame and to be frank it’s just not funny… I understand the hierarchy of comedy means that this guy should have a turn after waiting in the wings but c’mon…Friday night (a usual spot for quality entertainment?) I never do this but, Channel 4, I expect better!
2. Benefit Busters (75)
   I am watching Benefit Busters, and do not see how C4 has the nerve to use the term ‘documentary’ for this type of programming. Instead, this has been a completely uncritical platform for the current government’s neo-liberal welfare to work policies.
3. Alan Carr: Chatty Man (75)
   I was absolutely disgusted by Alan Carr and Amanda Holden in their treatment of Susan Boyle. It was tasteless and cruel particularly as Susan Boyle is vulnerable and Amanda Holden was once her protagonist. Shame on them and Channel 4.
4. How the Other Half Live (42)
   The whole idea of the programme is sick beyond belief!! It’s PR at the LOWEST level!! The families who have no money are expecting free cash bail outs from a family who are obviously involved for a self indulgent PR exercise!
5. On Tour with the Queen (36)
   I watched the beginning of this programme last night and heard the presenter make several references to the ‘Queen of England’. As I am sure you know, the Queen reigns over Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well. Why did no one correct this person? He did this several times on his vox pop on the streets of Sydney. I turned off after that.
6. Property Snakes and Ladders (34)
   This is supposed to be a new series but an old programme was repeated under the guise of updating us on the success of the two property developers… What a cheap skate way to fill a series. If you can’t find enough people to film, don’t make the series. If you can’t fund the series, don’t make it.
7. You Have Been Watching (34)
   I was appalled by the episode in which Charlie Brooker was completely out of order and highly offensive regarding his rant about God. It was supposed to be a humorous quiz but he went far beyond this abusing his position as the host in using air time to push his personal views.
8. First Cut: Bus Pass Bullfighter (28)
   I am very disappointed that Channel 4 would dignify this revolting activity by showing Frank ‘El Ingls’ Evans’ return to ‘his career’ of bullfighting. Shame on you!”
9. Sonisphere Festival 2009 (21)
   I’m disgusted by the coverage of this festival on Channel 4. Having actually been there, the programme was completely unrepresentative of the festival. One hour for such a great festival was a joke.
10. The Scandalous Adventures of Lord Byron (21)
    I would like to complain about the language used in this programme by Rupert Everett. What I thought would be a wonderful insight into Lord Byron’s life turned out to be littered with unnecessarily crude language. It gave nothing to the programme, most of it added by the presenter in a pointless manner, not describing what Byron said but embellishing what Byron thought or acted like, maybe to bring it to life. I sadly will not be watching anything presented by Rupert Everett in the future. What could have been a great programme on Lord Byron’s life was dreadfully ruined.

Life Class: Today’s Nude

Channel 4’s viewer enquiries team handled a total of 14,386 contacts (phone calls and emails) from viewers in July. Each query was logged and the appropriate people at Channel 4 notified. Of these contacts, 2,574 criticised the channel and its shows, while 301 complimented the programmes broadcast.

Big Brother attracted 1,565 complaints and 30 appreciative comments last month.

Top 10 programmes most appreciated by people who contacted Viewer Enquiries in July 2009, excluding Big Brother (quote is an example of viewer comment):

1. Life Class: Today’s Nude (32 comments)
   Congratulations on having the common sense to be able to show non-sexual nudity in an artistic sense, without falling for the usual seaside postcard sniggering the British media usually attach to it. An excellent programme, sensitively handled – well done.
2. How the Other Half Live (23)
   Wow, I have just finished watching what has to be the most touching programme I have seen for a very long time. How wonderful that people with money are willing to give up their time and part with their money to help families in need, especially such a lovely family as in tonight’s programme… I never cry when watching TV but I cried along with the girls when they were told their rooms would be done up for them!!
3. Inside Nature’s Giants (14)
   Thank you for this show. It is truly awe-inspiring. While it is sad that these animals have died, at least some good comes from it in the discovery of what caused their deaths and in furthering our appreciation of these incredible creatures.
4. Revelations: Commando Chaplains (11)
   I found it extremely moving and the padres going through the training and being there for our boys… to be able to have a chat made them feel better. As a Christian I found it so moving… So thank-you.
5. Gerry’s Big Decision (8)
   As a Sloan Fellow of the London Business School, I found this an excellent series. Not only was his analysis of the business issues most interesting, but his consideration of the psychological factors added an extra dimension. I hope there will be further series of this great programme!!!
6. True Stories: Taking Liberties (7)
   I would like to thank you and congratulate you for showing this courageous documentary. Until today I believed that such critical information could only be found on the internet. Seeing this on national TV restored my faith at least a little into British news reporting. Shame though that you chose such a rather late slot, when most working citizens were already asleep! Please continue your good work!
7. Dispatches: Terror in Mumbai (5)
   Just wanted to say the Dispatches programme on the terrorist attacks in Mumbai is one of the best documentaries I’ve seen in a very long time….even by Dispatches standards. Factual and impartial comment on such a difficult topic must be extremely difficult, but was managed superbly by the commentary and flow of the piece. Brilliant journalism – deserves to win every ‘best documentary’ TV award. Thank you for a superb piece of journalism.
8. Teenagers Fighting Cancer (5)
   Thank you for showing this documentary, which will help to raise awareness of Primary Bone Cancer – a disease mainly of teenagers and young adults. My son died of this disease in April 2007. If we, his parents, had ever heard of it he may have had a chance. Late diagnosis is one of the many reasons why survival rates are not better. The Bone Cancer Research Trust is promoting research into diagnosis and treatment as well as trying to raise awareness but getting coverage on mainstream prime time TV is a very necessary part of getting the information to the general public.
9. You Have Been Watching (5)
   This is the best and funniest thing on television at the moment. I’m only commenting because I’m pretty sure a lot of people without a sense of humour will hate it – especially if they read the Daily Mail.
10. Farrah’s Story (5)
    Well done Channel 4. Yet again another well documented programme on how cancer affects the lives of everyday people including celebrities like Farrah Fawcett. Although it was very sad to see, it showed her strength and determination. It was bittersweet and inspirational as well as thought provoking. Again C4, well done. Keep the good stuff coming…

Top 10 programmes most criticised by people who contacted Viewer Enquiries in July 2009, excluding Big Brother (quote is an example of viewer comment):

1. 8 Out of 10 Cats (114 contacts)
   The content included jokes about Michael Jackson’s death which I feel were in extremely poor taste. The content was not funny and I am sure that this will have upset many viewers as well as me. How can your channel justify guests on this programme stooping to such lows?
2. Michael Jackson’s Last Days: What Really Happened? (65)
   I am just dismayed that you approved this documentary by gossipy, misinformed Peretti. Did he honestly think he was giving us some new insight? Overall the documentary was patronising, ignorant and just unacceptable, with Peretti’s sing-song delivery actually making my blood boil as I watched…
3. Life Class: Today’s Nude (56)
   I’m very unimpressed by having a nude just sitting there in the middle of the day. This means children of any age, turning over channels looking for a cartoon or Postman Pat are being subjected to a naked person. Do you think this appropriate for lunch time? I certainly don’t!
4. You Have Been Watching (46)
   Generally unfunny. Who is the presenter, and the panellists, save Boyle? The reliance on swear words was unfortunate. Not a case for winning part of the license fee.
5. The Home Show (36)
   I think this programme was an abuse of the people’s money… There were obvious overspends in areas that were for show and not of practical use to the family, I really felt for the people this week and feel that the programme has really let them down…
6. The Scandalous Adventures of Lord Byron (24)
   I appreciate that this programme was broadcast after 9pm but the content was unnecessarily sexually explicit for a programme that could have been used for educational purposes and family viewing. It was more suitable to a porn channel and should have been edited. What a disappointment for an interesting subject. Byron deserved better.
7. The TNT Show (23)
   I am absolutely disgusted that The TNT show made very harsh and rude gags about Michael Jackson; it’s absolutely outrageous that you can speak of the dead in such a way… I’m horrified; do you have no respect for the dead?
8. Alan Carr: Chatty Man (23)
   I watched this programme and was disgusted. If this is what Channel 4 call entertainment, the bosses want shooting. This man Carr has no talent whatsoever, he is crude and rude and you shouldn’t give him air time, there are plenty of comedian’s out there who would provide humour not coarseness to the extreme. I certainly will not be tuning in to Channel4 again if this is what you want to televise.
9. Inside Nature’s Giants (21)
   I am both offended and disgusted at the display of amazing creatures being butchered on television. This isn’t on the programme that I would never watch, it is actually during almost every commercial break. It is an absolute outrage that this is forced upon the viewing public. This shouldn’t be on the television and I have a very very strong complaint to make. It is one thing you displaying this as a documentary but it is totally unacceptable for you to put such graphic detail on during daytime television.
10. Embarrassing Bodies (13)
    How is it that Channel 4 can show such disgusting things before the watershed? I really feel that this kind of programme should only be shown after 10pm. How awful for some of the participants’ children, grandchildren and other relatives to see their Grandfather’s disgusting infected red penis and hear about his sex life. I am appalled.

Michael Jackson: A Life in Pop

Channel 4’s viewer enquiries team handled a total of 14,848 contacts (phone calls and emails) from viewers in June. Each query was logged and the appropriate people at Channel 4 notified. Of these contacts, 2,796 criticised the channel and its shows, while 235 complimented the programmes broadcast.

*Big Brother generated 1,837 complaints and 48 appreciative comments in June.

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

1. Michael Jackson: A Life in Pop (12 contacts)
   Thank you so much for an absolutely fab tribute to Michael Jackson! All his great music and none of the negative stuff that the media are still broadcasting even after his tragic death! As a lifetime fan, this is a sad time and what we want is to see and hear his great music, thank you!
2. Undercover Boss (9)
   Brilliant. Hard to believe a marketing director on a six figure salary has no experience of the product he’s selling. Great to see Andrew eat his words that low paid staff receiving extra money wouldn’t lead to improved productivity and happier employees. To his credit he rewarded his staff which was great viewing. Can’t wait for the next episode.
3. Dispatches: Orphan’s of Burma’s Cyclone (8)
   The coverage on the Burmese orphans was remarkable and heart breaking. I know there are many organizations in Burma providing food and aid but is there anyway to help those orphans featured in the programme?
4. Dispatches: Rape in the City (6)
   I know nothing of inner city life or gangs but I found the programme hard hitting and extremely well made, dealing with a difficult subject in a sensitive and intelligent manner. I found Sorious Samura extremely good and his style and method excellent. I do so hope we see more of him.
   
5. The World’s Greatest Music Prodigies (5)
   ‘Amazing television! Whoever commissioned this should get a raise. It was wonderful to see such an uplifting documentary that celebrated the gifted children, amazing families and incredible mentors this world has. I hope there will be similar programs to come.
6. The Operation: Surgery Live (5)
   I’d like to congratulate C4 for this excellent series. It was that rarest of things in modern TV: a serious documentary that treated its audience as intelligent but uninformed. There was no attempt to “dumb-down” what we were seeing. I’d like to thank all of the surgeons, medical teams, and patients that permitted us to glimpse their procedures. I would very much hope that a second season could be commissioned. Are there any plans to do so?
7. Bremner, Bird and Fortune: Who Broke Britain? (4)
   Congratulations on having the balls to show the Dinner Party sketch. We need more honesty like this in our comedy programs. Let’s not allows the minority to dictate what the majority wants to see and hear. More please!
8. Alan Carr: Chatty Man (4)
   I love Alan Carr and this show has me in stitches – he’s so cheeky!!
9. Inside Nature’s Giants (3)
   I just wanted to congratulate you on an incredibly interesting, informative and well-thought out documentary handled without excessive sentamentalisation (sic) but thought-provoking nonetheless. It answers questions as they occur to the viewer and is a really wonderful example of documentary, showing people something that they would otherwise have been very unlikely to see. Thank you and more of this type of programme please!
10. I’m Running Sainsbury’s (3)
    I am writing to say how much I love the “I’m running Sainsbury’s” series on Tuesday evenings Channel 4. The programmes are very well produced and are very entertaining. With the music and production it reminds me very much of “The Hotel Inspector”, and is just as addictive. It also illustrates how shop floor staff has great ideas basically because they are fully in touch with what makes the shopper tick. The other interesting thing that the programme illustrates is just how superior some managers feel about themselves which translates into a patronising attitude when talking to their “front line” staff. Thank you for a great piece of TV entertainment.

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

1. Wife Swap (161)
   After watching the first few minutes of Wife Swap last night (June 21) I was disgusted and horrified that you would even air an episode like this.
2. Channel 4 News (68)
   I was just watching the 3-way interview with the newly elected BNP MEP as one of the participants. I was disgusted at the fact he wasn’t able to give over his points without being constantly shouted down and interrupted; with no one seeming to bother about it. It was totally one sided. Disgusting.
3. My Monkey Baby (39)
   I would just like to say how appalled I was to see these monkeys treated to badly and Channel 4 for condoning this action by going to film this. These people need some kind of psychological help that does not involve taking a monkey away from its natural habitat for their own selfish needs. I will be writing to the American government to get this wicked cruelty overturned.
4. The TNT Show (22)
   I was shocked at the discriminatory segment of the show named ‘Gilbert’s special report’ which I feel was unashamedly discriminatory toward persons with disabilities. I found this transmission most inappropriate and extremely awkward to watch. I hope that Channel 4 will never show such stereotypical views again on their prime time TV shows!
5. Bremner, Bird and Fortune: Who Broke Britain? (17)
   I was most shocked and disappointed to find that the content of last night’s show included bad language which did nothing to enhance the enjoyment of the show.
6. Michael Jackson: A Life in Pop (17)
   It’s sad that Michael Jackson died but the world didn’t come to an end. There was no need to change your programming for this. He was a pop star, not God, not Royalty, he didn’t discover a cure for cancer, didn’t solve the Middle East problem! Yet another example of celebrity culture taking over!
7. 8 out of 10 Cats (17)
   Too much ridicule of Susan Boyle. A plain middle-aged woman with learning difficulties isn’t a valid target; it’s too much like bullying. I’m especially sorry to hear it from my comedy hero, Sean Lock. Try to think a bit more News Quiz, a bit less Russell Brand.
8. Dispatches: Rape in the City (16)
   I do not have a complaint with this programme, rather the scheduling which places gang rape at 8.30, before the watershed and a programme about child prodigies at 9pm after the watershed. As the parent of a 9 year old, I know which of the above my child is likely to find inspirational and which terrifying. I would be interested to learn how the timing of Dispatches is justified.
9. Inside Nature’s Giants (11)
   I was horrified when I watched the programme Nature’s Giants: Elephant it was making me sick, not the fact of the dead animal it was because of how little respect they had for the elephant. As an animal lover I will be protesting about the show it was horrific no way should an animal be dissected like that they just dragged the internal organs out and started prodding them.
10. Madonna and Mercy: What Really Happened? (10)
    The programme was full of rhetoric and vivid analogy, but lacked substance. The reporter made a number of claims; many were highly dubious and poorly supported. For example: – Madonna’s actions were repeatedly compared to those of “19th century colonialists”. At one point she was even compared to slave master! These comparisons are tendentious at best and do nothing to advance the main argument of the program.

1066: The Battle for Middle Earth

Channel 4’s viewer enquiries team handled a total of 12,435 contacts (phone calls and emails) from viewers in May. Each query was logged and the appropriate people at Channel 4 notified. Of these contacts, 1,159 criticised the channel and its shows, while 430 complimented the programmes broadcast.

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

1. 1066: The Battle for Middle Earth (21contacts)
   Thank you for 1066 – a stunning innovation in historical drama/documentary. My pulse raced and I cried in turns. I have never seen history documented so evocatively.
2. Kirstie’s Homemade Home (18)
   What a lovely programme this is – very down to earth, informative and inspiring and presented with Kirstie’s enthusiasm it makes you want to try the skills featured. A refreshing change.
3. Endgame (16)
   Suburb, enthralling, brilliantly made and acted. One of the best pieces of television drama that I have ever had the pleasure to watch; absolutely gripping from start to finish. Congratulations, well done and thank-you to all of those involved in its production.
4. Dispatches: Britain’s Bankers: Still Cashing In (13)
   Please pass on my appreciation to Jane Moore and the team. Another cracking piece of TV shock journalism as I call it. Once again Dispatches gets to the core of another national scandal. PS. You might need to warn viewers with high blood pressure, prior to a follow-up show on this latest scandal.
5. Shameless (13)
   Last night’s shameless – WOW. From light to dark and back again before you notice. I held my breath, with goosebumps on my arms.
6. Gok’s Fashion Fix (13)
   Gok Wan rocks! What a superb show. As a TV expert (that sounds awful, sorry) myself I just wanted to praise Gok for his beautiful mentoring heart. It comes through everything he does on this show. I’ve never seen him on screen till this series but I totally get why he is so loved. Whatta guy! I also love the way he’s prepared to share the glory with the other stylist, this is such a good example and sends out positive messages that go way beyond self image. Thank you.
7. The Unloved (12)
   It was the most powerful TV drama I have ever seen – so much so that I had to watch it in two halves as I could not cope with it all at once. Molly Windsor didn’t say much, but she spoke volumes – an outstanding young actress.
8. The Operation: Surgery Live (11)
   Fantastic programme! Excellent idea! I have nothing to do with surgery/nursing and found this fascinating, informative and reassuring. Thanks for such a wonderful series of programmes! Well done Channel 4!
9. Born To Be Different (9)
   What an absolutely fantastic documentary. I have watched every one over the years and have felt for all the families in the difficult decisions/situations that they have had to deal with. The conclusion to the programme felt very final and I’d hoped to hear that we would catch up with them all in another couple of years. PLEASE PLEASE will there be another series?
10. Dispatches: Lost In Care (9)
    Thank you so much for your programme, it has made me realise that as a family we are going to pursue this and not give up. There are children out there that need our family!
11. The Secret Millionaire (9)
    Brilliant! Another fantastic episode which has put Channel 4 right at the top so far as teaching and education is concerned. This factual exposure of real poverty should be done more on television as television is such a powerful medium. If we had politicians who really cared for everyone in society, these problems wouldn’t exist. Once again, Well Done!

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

1. Big Brother (streaming) (99 contacts)
   I think it is an utter disgrace that BB10 is lacking live feed. It is what makes the show so interesting for a lot of the viewers. By taking away live feed yours are essentially taking away the core fans of Big Brother.
2. The Secret Millionaire (52)
   Channel 4 portrayal of Barrow-in-Furness was appalling, that was not the Barrow I grew to love. I was curate on Barrow Island for 4 years a great place and lots of lovely parts which they never showed. So the rich kid gave away his money, drop in the ocean to someone with £8 million, I found the whole programme condescending.
3. Born Survivor: Bear Grylls (39)
   Bear strikes again! I do appreciate that he needs to discuss and demonstrate survival techniques in his programme, however it is the inhumane way that he kills his meals that I have problems with – the way that the boa constrictor was killed was cruel and unnecessary – it’s not like he is not travelling without rations, supplies and a support crew.
4. Gok’s Fashion Fix (33)
   The first series was absolutely fabulous, and we were sad to see it finish, however eagerly awaited the second series. Unfortunately as we started watching the new series in 2009, we soon came to realise that the format of the show had completely changed… for the worse.
5. Cutting Edge: Madeleine Was Here (27)
   I would like to make a complaint about the biased approach that the programme makers adopted in the creation of the Madeline McCann edition of Cutting Edge. Programme-makers must never reconstruct, re-enact or otherwise FAKE any scenes of actuality and pass them off to viewers or to Channel 4 as the real thing.
6. Superbikes World Championship 2009 (23)
   My Radio Times said you were showing highlights of the Monza WSB round in the wee small hours last night at 01.35, so I set my video. What do I get? Sailing. I don’t see the point in covering WSB or any sport in such a shabby way, and it is very annoying when it turns out you don’t keep to the advertised scheduling anyway.
7. The Operation: Surgery Live (24)
   Very angry that transmission of this excellent programme was curtailed before the procedure was complete. It was already over-running so more time could have been allowed. Especially annoying as the following programme was a repeat.
8. Embarrassing Bodies (20)
   I am outraged at the content of the television programme and believe that these graphic images should not be displayed till after 9pm. I am very distressed at what I have seen and I do not want my children watching this programme. There is no place for nudity on my television and I believe that many people feel the same, I put forward that the programme should be moved to 9pm where people expect to see these images so no offence is caused.
9. The Unloved (16)
   Once again TV producers have turned what should have been a serious and thought provoking drama into an excuse to have an 11-year-old girl listening to plainly what can only be explained as gratuitous violence and disgusting language… It is of no wonder that standards of decency are being corrupted in the name of freedom of expression. What next, an actual murder to take place because the audience will not realise the potential of the drama without seeing it?
10. Extreme Male Beauty (15)
    I felt the quality of the presenter extremely poor. This programme seemed to be neither a documentary nor a comedy. If it was meant to be a comedy I found it to be unfunny and at times pathetic the way the presenter was offering so little. He kept referring to his penis as his “winkle” which was so extremely immature and actually very boring

Channel 4’s viewer enquiries team handled a total of 10,909 contacts (phone calls and emails) from viewers in April. Each query was logged and the appropriate people at Channel 4 notified. Of these contacts, 1,138 criticised the channel and its shows, while 333 complimented the programmes broadcast.

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

1. The Sex Education Show v Pornography (43 contacts)
   Shows like this demonstrate the maturity of UK media, discourse, and attitudes to sex and sexuality. Well done! I am so proud that this subject was approached in such an intellectually honest, respectful, and positive manner. A perfect example of the positive power of television for education and development, a definable fulfilment of the obligation placed on entertainment to retain relevance.
2. The Hospital (32)
   Thank you for making this programme. It is the first thing I have ever seen that honestly represents the excellent work that the NHS staff do under difficult circumstances. If only this was mandatory viewing for everyone that uses the NHS and not just those interested few, or those whom it represents.
3. The Greatest Story Ever Told (22)
   I just wanted to take the time to say that I’m really pleased that you showed The Greatest Story Ever Told, I mean I’m only 16 and did think it was a bit cheesy at parts, but its great to see a TV station that isn’t afraid to show what Easter is really all about and I know that it is difficult to air certain things without upsetting people especially in such a multi-cultural society, so well done and thank you, please keep it up.
4. The Secret Millionaire (15)
   This is a brilliant programme and I really enjoyed the one in Belfast. I wish there were more programmes like this, positive, constructive, helping communities. It’s fantastic to see the responses from folks when the millionaire’s reveal the truth. It’s great that they follow up as well. Keep up this type of programme!
5. Dispatches: The Westminster Gravy Train (14)
   An outstanding presentation of investigative journalism. It is no surprise Dispatches holds such high integrity as a mouthpiece on matters on serious public interest. I am extremely angry at the MPs ripping us off. Heather Brooke and the Dispatches production team deserve an Oscar for brilliant work. Thank god you are revealing such “questionable” behaviour on the part of our political representatives. They are an absolute disgrace. Well done Dispatches and Heather Brooke should stand for Parliament, I would vote for her.
6. Cutting Edge: Would You Save a Stranger? (13)
   This programme is important in provoking the audience/general public to think about supporting one another as a community… This show is not simply promoting being a Good Samaritan; it provokes the audience to ask why we should consider others, even at the possible cost to ourselves. Thank you again Channel 4. Brilliant relevant show.
7. Kirstie’s Homemade Home (10)
   What a great programme – at last something interesting, creative and helpful. No nonsense and Kirstie made you feel that you could do it too! Well done.
8. The Inbetweeners (8)
   Just a quick note to say The Inbetweeners is the most refreshing comedy I’ve seen on TV in a LONG time. The dialogue is brilliant; in fact, it’s at Superbad levels which is quite a compliment. Keep up the great work, and give those writers a bonus! Oh, and the casting director too – genius. Cheers.
9. Time Team (8)
   I just wanted to let you know we have really been enjoying the new Time Team shows. It’s great in this culture of sensationalist “15 minutes of fame” TV to have such a well presented, interesting and educational reality type show. Thanks to all on the show – Keep up the good work!
10. Shameless (6)
    I just want to thank you for another stunning series of Shameless. It looked as if it was heading towards the scrapheap with the loss of many top actors and characters a few seasons ago and with the introduction of a certain Maguire family. I never stopped watching once though and this series has been by far the best so far with great depth being given to the Maguire’s and suspense fill plots and storylines. Could you please confirm that there are another series or two in the pipeline? I love Shameless and I thank you Channel 4 for bringing us such a joyous TV show.
11. Gok’s Fashion Fix (6)
    At last, fashion for the 60’s (we are the new 40’s) PLEASE may we have more. We were the 60’s chicks and were the first to experiment and have fun with clothes. No way are we ready to forget about image…we embrace it!!! More please.

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

1. The Hospital (95)
   I think that The Hospital showed an unfair generalisation of teenagers. It showed continuous incidents with drunk teenagers, that came from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, the programme tended to group these minorities with teenagers in general. Surely the programme showed that there are problems in social statuses rather than age groups. Some of the issues raised in the programme, such as binge drinking and obesity, affect proportions of every age group so it is therefore unfair just to target the teenage age group for the cause of these problems to the NHS.
2. The Sex Education Show v Pornography (82)
   I thoroughly disapprove. Putting those children in front of the camera, it is disgusting showing the naked body, what you are doing is going to increase the teen pregnancy. They should not be educated about sex because that is making them go and do it, nature will take care of it.
3. The Secret Millionaire (46)
   As a regular viewer of Secret Millionaire, I was surprised/puzzled to find subtitles when the man working at Head Light was talking to Jonathan Hicks. I appreciate at times they we walking away from the camera but couldn’t understand why only one persons dialogue was subtitled, surely it can’t be because of his accent, he was perfectly understandable.
4. Embarrassing Bodies (38)
   Graphic footage of a women’s vagina with close up views of her prolapsed cervix, on pre-9pm terrestrial TV?! What on earth are you thinking? Wholly inappropriate, I just about managed to divert my young son’s eyes.
5. Cutting Edge: Madeleine Was Here (22)
   I am disgusted to read that a little girl was used to play the part of Madeleine in this documentary and even more annoyed that she became upset while filming. This is child abuse. Why wasn’t a child-sized doll used? This documentary is not a reconstruction, yet it is being called that. It will be another one-sided story. Only a Police reconstruction, which the McCann’s refused last year, would be believable and perhaps have helped the investigation into ‘missing Madeleine’.
6. Big Brother (22)
   I would like to make a complaint about your decision to axe the E4 live feed for Big Brother 10. I think this decision is a poor decision and will not help Big Brother survive; it seems like your trying to push the programme down the drain.
7. The Inbetweeners (20)
   I was absolutely horrified by the footage of the fish being punched on the boat. I realise that “no fish were harmed in the making of the programme”, but I watched in horror at the imitation of such an evil act, and was led to believe this act was on a real fish until the very end, when I was finally told otherwise. I am disgusted at the whole scene and sincerely hope that this imitation of animal cruelty stops and you STOP promoting it.
8. Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan (20)
   I was disappointed in the showing of Borat as there were no subtitles given for the crucial foreign language dialogue that occurs during much of the film therefore meaning we missed out on a lot of the plot and witty dialogue.
9. Gok’s Fashion Fix (19)
   How ridiculous to feature a group of solely overweight women as his testers for the series? I applaud Gok for his fashion sense and ability to make all women comfortable with their shape and size and am no body fascist – in fact as a typical pear shape I love that Gok empowers all shapes. But how much outcry would there be if the group ranged from a size 0 to 8? Yet it is OK to feature a group from size 16 to 28 (morbidly obese) as a cross-section and society ideal? Over-eating and lack of exercise causes obesity which is a major epidemic and as serious as smoking and drugs. So what’s next? Flattering colours to suit your smoker’s teeth?
10. Britain’s Forgotten Children (Trail) (18)
    I do not think the trailer for the programme about children in care should be aired before the watershed. It is frightening for children especially for those who are at risk of being taken into care themselves. Do you want them to believe it is going to be as horrible as this? I would like it taken off-air altogether.

Channel 4’s viewer enquiries team handled a total of 13,118 contacts (phone calls and emails) from viewers in March. Each query was logged and the appropriate people at Channel 4 notified. Of these contacts, 1,079 criticised the channel and its shows, while 268 complimented the programmes broadcast.

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

1. Red Riding (20 contacts)
   “Absolutely fantastic. I was stunned watching it. It was beautifully filmed and the actors fabulous. This is a credit to Channel 4. I never gush but this blew me away. Well done!”
2. The Secret Millionaire (20)
   “Just wanted to say this is such a fantastic programme, my favourite! And even though I consider myself a tough man, I always end up weeping (just a little). Good to know such kindness and generosity exists in this country when times are hard for so many. More of the same please… 5 stars!”
3. Christianity: A History (17)
   “This series has been wonderful, thank you so much. Each episode was really interesting, informative and enriched by the personal enthusiasm of each presenter. I have watched every one, and watched each again on Catch-Up.”
4. The Sex Education Show v Pornography (15)
   “I feel that all teenagers should get frank sex education from early teens and that they understand their own body and see the difference between fake and real bodies. Thank you for such an eye opener.”
5. Dispatches: How They Squander our Billions (11)
   “What a fantastic programme from Dispatches!  I honestly mean ‘fantastic’.  Jane Moore was just as disgusted as you and I when she uncovered the obscene amounts of our money being spent in this way!”
6. Dispatches: Pakistan’s Taliban Generation (10)
   “May I thank the production team of Channel 4s’ Dispatches for yet again producing a very insightful and thought provoking programme. I believe using Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, an award winning and well respected reporter, added credulity to this well balanced programme.”
7. Grand Designs (6)
   “I think this must be the best Grand Designs ever and thanks again for a fabulous series, it just keeps getting better.”
8. Boys and Girls Alone (6)
   “I would like to take this opportunity to say how much I enjoyed this programme. Although some might say it’s a bit controversial, I thought it was very good and gave me insight into how much we do for our children and their progress into adulthood.”
9. 10 Years Younger: The Challenge (4)
   “Why, I must say what a vastly improved programme this is mostly due to the darling Myleene Class!  What a fantastic decision it was to recast a new and far more decent and endearing presenter.”
10. Dispatches: Confessions of a Nurse (4)
    “I want to congratulate you on the Dispatches show this evening. You should follow this up in perhaps 6 months’ time.”
11. Skins (4)
    “I wanted to write to you to say how much I am enjoying the new season of Skins. I was an avid watcher from the first series and can only emphasise the brilliance of the writing. Admittedly the new characters took some adapting to, but once I looked passed the fact the old characters were gone, I began to love watching the new storylines and development of the characters.”

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

1. Dispatches: The Trouble with Boris (131 contacts)
   “Never before have I watched such a one sided ‘documentary’. I always believed that Channel 4 was an independent television channel and it was only the BBC that was willing to transmit such politically motivated drivel. Where was the other side of the story? Did your researcher simply go out and find people who didn’t like Boris and broadcast it?”
2. KNTV Sex (75)
   “It is too explicit. I couldn’t believe it was on before 10 O’clock in morning…”
3. Heston’s Feasts (74)
   “First of all I want to congratulate you on a fantastic series which I have on the whole enjoyed. However, in Heston’s Roman feast, Heston gutted a fish while it was still alive, which he did to emulate what the Romans did. However, in today’s modern and more civil world, I would like to think that this could have been prevented, as I do not believe that killing the fish and then draining its blood would have compromised the taste of the dish.”
4. Red Riding (42)
   “I want to complain about the swearing and sexual content and violence. I know it’s after the watershed but I still have teenagers up at this time. We saw Sean Bean on This Morning and we like him so we thought we’d like it but it’s no Life on Mars.”
5. The Sex Education Show v Pornography (42)
   “I am truly astounded at Channel 4’s total lack of responsibility to our younger generation, evident in the distasteful way it has chosen to portray our youth’s curiosity of pornography. Channel 4 has so obviously lost all sensitivity and sense of decency.”
6. Christianity: A History (32)
   “This programme was not very history like at all, it was just a series with eight different presenters who had a personal axe to grind. There was a lot of information left out and a lot of wrong comments put in. You should have called it what it was, which was just people discussing Christianity but not showing its history!”
7. 10 Years Younger: The Challenge (21)
   “Having being a viewer of 10YY over the last 3 years, I am disappointed! Although I’m a male in my late 30’s, I guess I’m not your core demographic. Nicky Hamilton-Jones was professional and led the show. The new presenter has no personality on the show, I’m aware she is a very talented person in other areas; however, NHJ was not afraid to voice her opinion. Is it true that NHJ was replaced due to her age? This was a fun show and a great way to unwind after a day at work. Unfortunately, I will not be watching in the future.”
8. Sliding Doors (14)
   “I can’t believe you spoiled the end of the film… couldn’t see the film and people talking over it…Film4, I don’t love you any more.”
9. Dispatches: How They Squander our Billions (12)
   “Just watched this programme and thought it was really unbalanced and infuriating. The wholesale criticism of any government spending completely obscured those areas where Jane Moore was right to point out wastefulness. So what if money is spent on pot plants? Civil servants are also human beings and deserve to work in half decent environments. A bit more focus on the real issues rather than trying to stimulate cheap outrage would have been good.”
10. Grand Designs (12)
    “I am an avid watcher of both programmes but have become very disappointed by the revisited episodes which contain 50 minutes of rehashed coverage of an original programme and 10 minutes catch up of progress made since that programme was put together.”

How do you feel about this month’s Rated/Slated? Please leave your comments below, vote on other comments, or submit your own Video Vox Pops to let us know what you thought of Channel 4 last month.

Channel 4’s viewer enquiries team handled a total of 14,736 contacts (phone calls and emails) from viewers in February. Each query was logged and the appropriate people at Channel 4 notified. Of these contacts, 1,289 criticised the channel and its shows, while 283 complimented the programmes broadcast.

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

1. Boys and Girls Alone (25 contacts)
   “I’m writing to praise a superb and serious programme. It is obviously a serious attempt to see the world from a child’s perspective, in a responsible way. I’m writing to support the channel and film makers in the face of ridiculous criticism. This programme should be praised and we should have more serious documentaries like it.”
2. Christianity: A History (20)
   “I am not a practising Christian or big fan of Ann Widdecombe but thought the episode on Reformation superb. Sat riveted to the set throughout and wish more TV was as informative and unbiased. Well done to Channel 4 for commissioning this series.”
3. Dispatches: Too Old To Work (13)
   “I wanted to congratulate C4 on an excellent edition of Dispatches tonight. For a channel that can appear to be over focused on the younger audience this was a significant programme. The issue of age discrimination in employment deserves continued coverage well done.”
4. Plus One (9)
   “I absolutely LOVED this comedy! Please, please commission another! It was a laugh a minute. The content was top draw entertainment. I haven’t laughed so much in ages. I would just like to congratulate you on a fantastic new comedy!”
5. Dispatches: The Big Job Hunt (6)
   “The programme was great; both interesting and informative. Well done and thank you.”
6. 10 Years Younger: The Challenge (6)
   “What an excellent programme! Great to see two lovely ladies given a new lease of life…”
7. Grand Designs (6)
   “Grand Designs is the greatest programme that Channel 4 runs. This is because it is intellectual and grown-up. It deals with the correct side of building a house. A grand design is one that encompasses ones dreams, actualising the perfect home, building it yourself from scratch. Kevin McCloud is also one of the greatest presenters on television.”
8. Ramsay’s Great British Nightmare (5)
   “I have been reading about all the complaints you’ve had regarding this show. People know Gordon swears; if they take offence they shouldn’t watch it. I thought the show was excellent, informative and very funny; it wouldn’t be the same if he and others didn’t swear.”
9. Time Team (5)
   “Oh the torment when there were no programmes over the Xmas period! But now, I can live again, Time Team has returned. I feel as though I personally know all of the team. Thank you so much to all of you for your professionalism and clear way history/archaeology is presented to your audience.”
10. Dispatches: Congo’s Forgotten Children (5)
    “I am writing to offer my deep thanks to Deborah Davies and the team for tonight’s programme about the children of the Congo. I found it incredibly moving, and it left me both despairing at the capacity for human cruelty, but also inspired to do something, even if at this stage I am not clear what, apart from give money.”
11. John Adams (5)
    “Congratulations on showing the magnificent John Adams. Brilliant acting, wonderful story and very informative. Thanks for some of the best viewing I’ve seen in a long time.”

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

1. Boys and Girls Alone (186 contacts)
   “I cannot believe that Channel 4 allowed this programme to be made let alone aired. What a surprise that children when left alone eat rubbish, bully, argue and do not go to bed on time. This is TV of the lowest order thank goodness I have an off switch.”
2. 10 Years Younger: The Challenge (75)
   “I was a big fan of 10 Years Younger and Nicky Hambleton-Jones. The new format is awful and so is the new presenter. It’s put me off watching. Bring back Nicky; she was perfect for the role.”
3. Christianity: A History (70)
   “I watched the latest instalment of this series with interest. However, I was dismayed to find that your interviewer was unquestionably biased and unbalanced. He said nothing about the immense good which missionaries did in Africa – schools and hospitals for example, nor did he mention the sacrifices many of them made.”
4. Ramsay’s Great British Nightmare (62)
   “It is an absolute disgrace that you could broadcast a programme with the disgraceful “F word” over 200 times-what on earth do you think you are doing! It is no wonder respect is virtually dead in this country!!”
5. Russell Brand Live 2006 (37)
   “Why is Russell Brand using Indian Gods and Goddess in the background and using foul language in front of them? I wonder if you would put pictures of Mohammed or Jesus and allow that.”
6. Squirrel Wars: Red vs Grey (29)
   “I think Channel 4 has been totally irresponsible showing a programme of this nature. Animal cruelty is already on the rise in this country, and showing programmes like this not helping to stop it. Shame on you!!”
7. Dispatches: The Problem Princes (29)
   “This show, whilst dressed up as an impartial documentary, was a pure attack piece aimed at defaming the two people which were the topic of the show. It was misleading in many instances as well as making unsubstantiated accusations.”
8. Free Agents (24)
   “Had to turn this programme off. Why do the writers have to spoil a potentially good series by using filthy and crude language?”
9. Shameless (19)
   “I found this episode very upsetting and distasteful. There was a scene at the end where Frank Gallagher head butts a woman in the face. I usually find Shameless enjoyable, but this was very off putting and unnecessary to the storyline.”
10. Ricky Gervais: Fame (14)
    “For the first time ever, I switched off my TV in disgust after five minutes of this programme. I cannot believe that any television company could think it was acceptable to broadcast the material about cancer patients without causing considerable offence to families whose members have been struck down with this disease.”
11. Relocation, Relocation (14)
    “This programme now looks so out of touch with the real world and the current economic climate that I’m surprised it is still on the air.”

How do you feel about this month’s Rated/Slated? Please leave your comments below, vote on other comments, or submit your own Viewer Video to let us know what you thought of Channel 4 last month.

Channel 4’s viewer enquiries team handled a total of 21,745 contacts (phone calls and emails) from viewers in January. Each query was logged and the appropriate people at Channel 4 notified. Of these contacts, 3,623 criticised the channel and its shows, while 938 complimented the programmes broadcast.

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

1. Dispatches: Unseen Gaza (227)
   “Excellent programme. Very good coverage on Gaza and it raises many interesting issues about what happened in Gaza. Jon Snow, as usual,  has done an amazing piece of factual reporting. Well done.”
2. DEC Gaza Appeal (72)
   “I would like to commend Channel 4 on its decision to air the Gaza Emergency Appeal. I am pleased that Channel 4, along with FIVE and ITV, has shown the compassion and common sense that the BBC and Sky network have apparently been unable to express”
3. Celebrity Big Brother (69)
   “Well done C4 – the late night show on Monday was erudite and brilliant TV. I refer to the long conversation between Terry, Tommy (and Coolio) re: Catholic Ireland. Priceless and what the show is truly all about – the interaction of people with something to say who we would not normally be privy to.”
4. The Alternative Christmas Message (31)
   “Thank you Channel 4 for providing an alternative. Your team is committed to ensuring that viewers get a more balanced view of the world. In showing many views you make clear that you do not follow a particular agenda apart from that of openness. Keep up the good work and do not bow to pressure of those that want to propagate false impressions of the world.”
5. Come Dine with Me (22)
   “Thank you so much for the wonderful entertainment of Come Dine with Me, I arrange my afternoons in order to see it – great!!
6. Christianity: A History (19)
   “I felt that I had to thank you for Christianity: A History. It was the best bit of television I had seen for years. It was so good that we watched it a second time so that we could take it all in. May we have some more please?”
7. Dispatches: Mum, Dad, Alzheimer’s and Me (18)
   “Please can my sincere thanks and thoughts be passed to Fiona Philips? My Mum has early onset Alzheimer’s, this programme has helped me face what I have to possibly cope with in the future.”
8. Jamie Saves our Bacon (16)
   “I would just like to congratulate Jamie Oliver and Channel 4 for the programme tonight. What a fantastic programme, with so much rubbish on TV these days. I found it an informative, enjoyable, easy viewing. Also someone that is proud to be British and support our own for a change. I will be supporting the British farmer!!!”
9. Surviving Gazza (12)
   “I have never written in to a TV channel about a programme in the past, however, after watching the programme last night I felt compelled to do so. I simply wanted to say how well produced I thought the programme was, it didn’t glorify the issue and handled the problem of alcohol abuse and how it affects the family in a sensitive manner.”
10. Plus One (10)
    “This was the funniest thing I’ve watched in ages, my teenage daughter came into the room just because she’d never heard me laugh so much. I’ve urged all my friends to watch it on 4OD. Well done Channel 4!!”

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

1. Celebrity Big Brother (1752)
   “Why can’t we get interactive on E4? Help! I am missing out on so much of Celebrity Big Brother, I am having withdrawal symptoms. I like to watch it 24-7.”
2. Could You Eat an Elephant? (129)
   “I wish to register a complaint regarding your showing of the above documentaries. Animals such as dogs and cats are tortured to death in countries like China. By showing this on TV for the chefs to show their “skills” you are condoning the abuse of sentient beings.”
3. Could You Eat an Elephant? – Trailer (148)
   “I have just seen a trailer for the above programme and am appalled and dismayed that you would commission a programme on this subject. Channel 4 has gone down in me and my family’s estimation!”
4. Christianity: A History (87)
   “We have seen many good documentaries on Channel 4, but have rarely been so disappointed as today by Christianity: A History. The topic was fascinating and could have been a very revealing programme, had the presenter not used every opportunity to push his utterly unhistorical notions of inclusiveness and multiculturalism on his experts.”
5. Ramsay’s Great British Nightmare (57)
   “Gordon Ramsay’s language in this 9pm programme was distasteful and repulsive. It was completely unnecessary and after 15 minutes or so we turned over, because what would otherwise have been a very watch-able programme was ruined by Gordon’s endless expletives.”
6. Dispatches: Unseen Gaza (42)
   “Purpose of the programme was to examine the difficulties news organisations face in reporting on the conflict in Gaza. Without minimising the dreadful plight of the ordinary Palestinians living in Gaza unfortunately the programme provided excellent propaganda for Hamas. Was this deliberate? Unfortunately I am left feeling very uneasy as to the real objective of the programme. Was it to vilify the Israelis as much as possible…?”
7. The Great British Food Fight (Trailer) (41)
   “The union flag used on the TV ad for The Great British Food Fight is upside down. The thick white band in the top left corner should be upper most. Sorry to be an anorak.”
8. The Alternative Christmas Message (39)
   “I am not a heavily political person, nor am I religious, but I found the very idea (I had no intention of watching it) of a broadcast of Iran’s President totally offensive and disrespectful to the people of this country and the wider world. I hope that Channel 4 is embarrassed at its desperate ratings attempt and will adopt a more morally and ethically appropriate stance on future broadcasts.”
9. The Gilmore Girls (39)
   “Where is the omnibus edition of The Gilmore Girls? You are still transmitting the daily episodes. But no warning that you were taking off air the Saturday transmission. When will you be catching up? I have been following this series for months!!”
10. Come Dine with Me (37)
    “I was just about to serve up our evening meal and was confronted by this man vomiting into the toilet. This programme is supposed to be entertaining and at the time it is aired there is absolutely no need to show something so obnoxious. Sort out your act!!!”
11. Country House Rescue (31)
    “I am glad that Ruth Watson’s infantile “effing” has lately been bleeped from Country House Rescue. Unfortunately, I suspect that she may not be sensitive enough to perceive how ill these erasures reflect upon her. Now perhaps someone can advise her to keep her ludicrous ageism to herself. Some of her remarks about the elderly residents of Albury Park were dismally patronising and unfunny. She owes them an apology.”

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