OFCOM REBUKES RAMSAY SHOW
In an unprecedented finding, Ofcom recently upheld complaints about the torrent of swearing in Ramsay's Great British Nightmare screened on 30 January.  The regulator upheld 51 complaints about the two-hour special which featured a shocking record-setting 115 uses of the F*** word and its derivatives in the first 40 minutes! 

After just half an hour a row featured the word 'f******' 30 times in two minutes.  Ofcom said Channel 4 "did not apply generally accepted standards" in scheduling the show at 9pm.

Code Review
Swearing on TV became a national issue towards the end of 2008 and attracted strident criticism in the national press with public opinion polls finding that the majority of the viewing and listening public wanted much less swearing on TV. 

In a survey by the Sunday Telegraph, 56% of respondents said that the f*** word should never be transmitted.  Significantly, Ofcom has just announced that it is to conduct a review of its all-important Broadcasting Code, drawn up five years ago, and has now launched a public consultation that will run until the middle of September to find out what viewers and listeners think. 

The purpose of this timely review is to clarify the Code on certain aspects of programme content that evidently concern the general public.  The Communications Act requires Ofcom to draw up a Code for broadcasters and to review it from time to time. 

The existing Broadcasting Code and the terms of this consultation can be seen at: www.ofcom.org.uk 

At an informal meeting with Ofcom officials, mediawatch-uk director, John Beyer, drew attention to the widespread public concern about swearing on TV.  He suggested that Ofcom already had sufficient evidence from its own research, and from research conducted by others, to deal more robustly with unnecessary swearing in TV and Radio programmes.  It is already clear most people believe that swearing on TV is unnecessary, unacceptable and out of control. 

Mr Beyer said that the present Code is ill-defined and simply refers to "offensive" language without properly describing what it is.  Greater clarity is needed in order to respond properly to public concern. 

It was not enough for swearing to be justified by ‘context' because this could - and usually does - mean that anything goes.  Ofcom could inspire far greater public confidence if it were seen to apply the ‘generally accepted standards' test more often and much more rigorously.

Stop Swearing on TV Petition
The mediawatch-uk petition to the Prime Minister, launched in November 2008, calling on Gordon Brown to intervene with the broadcasters over the amount of swearing on TV and Radio, closed after just 6 months on 20 May with more than 5,900 signatures. 

This was the third online petition mediawatch-uk has organised on the Number 10 website and attracted by far the most signatures.  We sincerely thank all those who signed this petition and we assure everyone that we will continue to press for the changes to broadcasting policy in order to achieve its objectives.
Read more...     Media Politics

"WE ARE THRILLED!"
The team at Liberty Bell Productions were thrilled to receive the first of a new 'Certificate of Excellence' for their Channel 4 Learning series TV is Dead? shown in February.

John Beyer, director of mediawatch-uk, said: "TV is Dead? is one of the very few programmes that has been about Television and the consequences of the digital revolution and complements very well the Government's Digital Britain strategy.  The programmes dealt with the migration of advertising revenue to the internet, the impact on ratings, the trend of viewing programmes on the internet and much more. 

"It explained everything so well that I asked Andy Duncan at Channel 4 if the series could be shown at prime time.  We have felt for a long time that television itself is the best means to explain the digital revolution to the general public as it affects every household in the land.  It is great that Liberty Bell took the initiative to produce this excellent series." 

In receiving the Certificate Stuart Prebble, the Chief Executive, thanked mediawatch-uk for the recognition and said that they were all thrilled to receive our award. 

John Beyer concluded: "On behalf of our Executive Committee and members it gives us enormous pleasure to present our first Certificate to Liberty Bell Productions for this outstanding programme which fulfilled all the requirements to educate, inform and entertain as well as promote Media Literacy."

STANDARDS MATTER
A new poll published in May found that 73% of people find swearing on TV offensive.  The poll, commissioned by mediawatch-uk, was conduced by ComRes who interviewed 1002 GB adults by telephone between 15 and 17 May 2009.  Significantly, the poll also found that 70% believe the regulator, OFCOM, should do more to reduce the amount of swearing on TV. 

Despite Ofcom's own Communications Market research conducted over recent years, showing that the majority of people believe there is too much swearing on TV, the regulator very rarely upholds public complaints on this issue. 

• 60% of people believe that swearing on TV encourages swearing in daily life and
  
• 53% believe that children are not effectively protected from swearing on TV.

Our online petition to the Prime Minister attracted more than 5,900 signatures after just 6 months.  We are hopeful that Gordon Brown, who has expressed personal concern about broadcasting standards, will now directly intervene in this situation and call upon broadcasters and film makers to seriously improve standards of literacy in their media productions.  The latest BBC survey suggests that people are "relaxed" about swearing on TV. 

It may be true that swearing ‘in context' is tolerable but for most people the main concern is with swearing that is entirely gratuitous and has no dramatic or any other context whatsoever. 

Moreover, the BBC's findings seem to contradict research carried out by the BBC for Panorama in February which found that 55% of people thought there was now too much swearing, while 68% thought language had worsened in the past five years.  Rather than wasting licence fee payers money on unnecessary surveys, the BBC should be asking itself how swearing in programmes fulfils its Charter obligation to ‘sustain citizenship and civil society'. 

The time really has come for broadcasters and regulators to act decisively on this matter by strengthening the regulations otherwise they know they risk alienating swathes of viewers. 

In the Digital Age when broadcasting standards matter more and more to viewers and listeners it really is no good ignoring public feeling against swearing on TV.  It is also necessary for members of the public to make their voices heard when language, or any other content, causes offence.

"THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!"
"The many hundreds of responses from members to the news that I have decided to retire from mediawatch-uk after 33 years were over whelming and very humbling."  Speaking at the Annual General meeting in May, John Beyer said:

"There were just so many letters and messages that it was impossible to reply to each one personally.  The gifts that so many people sent were very generous and the messages that accompanied some of them were very touching and will always be greatly treasured.  Above all, these showed that mediawatch-uk is rather like an extended family with a unity of purpose that binds us all together." 

In his reflection on his time with mediawatch-uk John said: "The challenges now are far greater than when Mary Whitehouse pioneered the campaign in the 1960s.  In those days there were just two TV channels and a handful of radio stations.  There was no internet, no computer games, no satellite or cable TV and video recorders were confined to the TV studios. 

The greatest difference then, however, is that there was a much stronger public consensus of what was acceptable on TV and what was not.  There was greater certainty about what was good or bad taste and what was decent or indecent.  Sadly, all that has changed and broadcasting and film have contributed significantly to the erosion of that consensus and the fragmenting of values. 

"The ongoing challenge for everyone involved is to reverse the responsibility-free attitudes and behaviour of the permissive 60s, which, combined with a political ideology, had a huge impact on the social, moral and economic development our society and culture.  I am confident that mediawatch-uk is up to the challenge.  Please continue to support the new team".

John Beyer's Address to the AGM here     John Beyer to retire here

ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual Report, presented and approved at the Annual General Meeting, is HERE

Legacies
In recent years mediawatch-uk has been indebted to members and supporters who have kindly arranged to leave us legacies.  This income has enabled us to continue confidently with our most important work.

RIGHT TO COMPLAIN
Speaking at the Royal Television Society recently Sir Michael Lyons, Chairman of the BBC Trust, said licence-fee-payers have a right to complain to the BBC.  That is in the nature of the relationship between the corporation and the licence-fee-payer which is like a shareholder with a commitment to a business. 

He also said that the Trust "will ensure that the BBC maintains the highest editorial standards" and that the BBC will always strive to bring to the public "content of the highest quality".  We thank him for these important undertakings.
Visit: www.bbc.co.uk/complaints

WHO'S UP FOR COMMITMENT?
By Pauline Webborn
What a privilege it has been to work alongside John for these last couple of years. A man of such integrity, wisdom and warmth - always having the right words for every journalist's challenging question.  But what I have admired perhaps most of all is the tenacious commitment that he has consistently displayed to the work of mediawatch-uk. 

Commitment is a word rather over used in today's egocentric society.  It is a word often used powerfully and with great passion particularly by politicians.  We talk freely about commitment in relationships and only to redefine it when the reality of very hard work becomes apparent.  Politicians seem to use the word like butter.  It is spread thickly throughout party conferences and often appears to have melted away on closer inspection some while later. 

mediawatch-uk is one of only a handful of campaigning groups that directly challenge the secular thinking and practices that have helped to erode the nation's moral framework. Mary Whitehouse campaigned courageously, and at great personal cost, against media immorality during her life facing much criticism and ridicule. 

John, however, has been consistent in his unpretentious and yet persevering drive towards stemming the tide of violent, indecent and foul mouthed media entertainment, often with equally unpleasant opposition, and yet often with much admiration from his critics. 

It is therefore vital that as we enter a new phase of our work here at mediawatch-uk, that we (members included!) honour the commitment made by Mary and John and work hard to reshape, restructure and regroup for the future.

The digital age is here to stay and we must and will work hard to help protect the nation, our children and the next generation from the inappropriate material that is desperately trying to invade every heart and home in Britain.  It is and always will be hard work and will involve commitment on the part of everyone who believes that this is a cause worth fighting for.  

I am very grateful for all our members who are prepared to continue the walk and make a stand with us.  There is still much to do, and we can help by giving financially, acting when we are offended and encouraging others to join mediawatch-uk.  Together we are stronger and we can, and will, continue to make a difference!

Thanks Richard!
Richard Chamberlain received a fine barometer as a gift from mediawatch-uk in recognition of his long and faithful service on the Executive Committee as Minutes Secretary

TRIBUTES TO JOHN BEYER FROM FROM MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS

I am so grateful (along with countless others) for all the work you have done on our behalf.  May you have a useful and fulfilling retirement!
Rev John Hollins, Liskeard

Thank you for speaking out so eloquently on our behalf and for being prepared to "stick your head above the parapet".  Well done! You have achieved much by your consistency and quiet Godly and diplomatic approach.  Many have now come to see the wisdom behind the words, actions and stance you have taken through the work of mediawatch-uk.
Colin and Cathy Turner

You've been a wonderful voice in the wilderness.
David Stephenson, London

Through the years of correspondence, when you have always answered my letters, I felt I had come to know you as a friend.  I have respected your courage and moderation in a difficult and nasty job.  Your dedication and diligence have been admired.  Yours is a great achievement and has been much appreciated.
Mrs Marie Bennett, Kessingland

We were saddened to learn that you will be stepping down at the end of September.  Being the ‘watchdog' of the British media is no easy job and many would appreciate the hard work that you have put into ensuring that certain standards of decency are maintained for the benefit of the whole society.  We congratulate you on a job well done.
John Barich, the Australian Family Association

John's courage and persistence in continuing the struggle against the forces which would destroy all moral constraints in public broadcasting is nothing less than heroic.  He and all who support him are indeed the salt of the earth, striving for wholesomeness and decency in public life.
Ernest and Grace Potter, Huddersfield

We know you certainly deserve a break from the heavy responsibilities you have carried these many, many years and we want to send you our very best wishes for the days ahead.
Reg and Gwen Stewart, St Albans

I must say you have been an excellent spokesman for mediawatch-uk down the years and whoever takes over will find you a very hard act to follow.  I hope you enjoy your well deserved retirement and all the best for the future.
Martin Evans, London

I met John soon after he was appointed in 1976.  I little thought at the time - and perhaps neither did he - that his would be a life-long commitment to the organisation.  His dedication and perseverance through thick and thin has been exemplary and we wish him a happy retirement.
Jill Waddington, Loughborough

I wanted to thank you for all your great work.  I'm sure things would be a lot worse if you weren't there!  Recently I've come across a lot of very unpleasant and vicious comments about you online in the course of my work.  I admire the fact that you never retaliate, and I'm sure that anyone with common sense can see the reality of the situation, in terms of who is reasonable and tolerant and who is not!
Amy King, Cupar

SOME POSITIVE RESULTS

Tackling Internet Pornography
By Ray Fitzgerald
I have been on a one man campaign for about a year now, trying to put an end to internet pornography.  What instigated this was the way I heard young students aged 12 to 16 talking about the sites they visited and what they were watching.  These were all overheard as youngsters seem not to care about what they discuss or who hears them.  

I looked on the internet and was shocked and disgusted at what I found.   I have done some research into what is available and found that all aspects of perverted sex can be found, totally free of charge. 

Although the so-called models are said to be 18 years of age, some look much younger and this applies to the males and females.  I wrote letters to all heads of government in Australia, USA, Great Britain, China, Russia and Poland - all countries supplying the majority of the pornography sites. 

My letters and emails were forwarded to other departments, some of which acknowledged me but others did not.  I wrote to our MEP and local MP with very positive results.  I have since reviewed what is happening on the pornography sites and have found that a number are no longer accessible.  Fantastic news!  

However, do not forget that there are still hundreds of other sites.  If everyone did as I have done and I am convinced that eventually we can rid the world of this cyber evil.

Pornographic Websites Banned in Egypt
A court in Cairo has issued a ruling that bans pornographic websites in Egypt.  The Administrative Court has ordered the government to block the "venomous and vile" sites in response to a case filed by a Muslim lawyer who argued that the "electronic dens of vice" were destroying Egyptian social values and ruining moral values. 

Nazir Ghorab said "Freedoms of expression and public rights should be restricted by maintaining the fundamentals of religion, morality and patriotism."  He welcomed the decision as a "victory over vice and corruption".  "Thank God we won. Now the government should stop these electronic dens of vice immediately," said Mr Ghorab, who filed the suit on his own initiative.

BBFC Rejects Sexually Violent DVD
The BBFC has recently announced that it has rejected a DVD entitled NF713.  This was a top-level, and highly unusual, decision taken by the Director, David Cooke and the Presidential Team and means that it cannot be legally supplied anywhere in the UK. 

NF713 takes the form of an extended sequence in which a man tortures a woman psychologically, physically and sexually.  According to the BBFC the torture, which cannot be described here, is unremitting and takes up the majority of the film's running time. 

The Board states that the primary purpose of this film is to sexually arouse the viewer at the sight of a woman being sexually humiliated, tortured and abused.  David Cooke, Director of the BBFC, said:

"It is the Board's carefully considered view that to issue a certificate to NF713, even if statutorily confined to adults, would involve risk of harm within the terms of the Video Recordings Act, would be inconsistent with the Board's Guidelines, and would be unacceptable to the public.  The BBFC has a strict policy on rape and sexual violence."

Mr Cooke said: "Rejecting a work outright is a serious matter and the Board considered whether the issue could be dealt with through cuts.  However, given the unacceptable content featured throughout cutting the work is not a viable option in this case and the work is therefore refused a classification." 

mediawatch-uk applauds and welcomes the Board's decision on this film but it begs the question:  "What sort of people want to make such a film and what sort of people want to watch it?" 

In a survey commissioned by the BBFC, three quarters of British parents were found to be concerned about the content of video games and the same number want independent regulation of their content, according to a new YouGov poll.  The vast majority also believe that video games affect some children's behaviour. 

mediawatch-uk welcomes these findings but from the evidence of recent classifications the BBFC is ignoring its own research! 

mediawatch-uk submission on Video Game Classification is HERE

BBFC - News and Reports

Engage More with the Media
Andy Duncan, the head of Channel 4 has said that Christians need to engage more with the media and keep up-to-date with new media technologies in order to further promote their cause. 

Mr Duncan, who attends a Baptist church in Croydon, Surrey, also said that TV programmes about religion often did not have high audiences.  Speaking at a seminar at the recent Baptist Assembly entitled "God and the media - an unholy alliance", Mr Duncan used the example of the recent Channel 4 series History of Christianity, which had around one million viewers per episode. 

He said while that was a significant number of people, given that the programme was aired in a peak time slot, Channel 4 could easily have attracted a lot more viewers had a different programme been screened instead. 

mediawatch-uk director, John Beyer, welcomed Mr Duncan's invitation to engage with the media, and Channel 4 in particular, but wondered what new opportunities are being offered.  He said: "In its history Channel 4 has screened some of the wort material ever seen on British television and has been impervious to and defiant against any criticism of offensive and harmful programme content. 

At the present time Channel 4 is in real financial difficulty, a situation which it has largely brought upon itself.  Perhaps, with advertising revenue expected to fall a further 15 per cent, there is a new mood among the members of the Board and management that means better programming is on the way.  Let us hope so!"

Channel 4 in the News

'mediawatch-uk newsletter' is published three times a year in Spring, Summer and Autumn.  Future editions may be obtained by joining mediawatch-uk. 

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