Originally posted by Caleguy:
quote:
SNIP
Editing- I can't comment on regulations elsewhere in Europe, but our programmes are edited by experienced professionals with in-depth knowledge of Ofcom regulations. Channel 4 absolutely do not censor programmes beyond this legal obligation. In fact, I went to those responsible for this for clarification. This is a verbatim account of the exchange: C4VE- "Can you confirm that it's our policy only to edit to ensure we're within Ofcom guidelines, rather than that we've somehow come over all Mary Whitehouse?", Acquisitions Editor- "Yes, absolutely." I think this is as clear as we can make this issue, and I'm afraid there isn't likely to be anything further we can add.
Thank you for your further reply, and the efforts you have made to gain clarification.
Unfortunately, I am convinced that your ‘experts’ are wrong.
If this censorship is necessary, why did C4 show the uncensored version of “The Idiots”, yet a specially censored version of ”Sex and Lucia”, even though both contain explicit, actual sexual activity, and both have uncut 18 certificates? Also, Ofcom did not uphold complaints made about the uncut broadcast of “The Idiots”.
Unconvinced, I contacted Ofcom, and apart from encountering predictable bureaucratic obfuscation, crucially, they did not disagree with my assertion that this censorship was unnecessary to comply with their Broadcast Code. Further, they said it was entirely up to the broadcaster to decide which version (censored or uncensored) of a programme, movie etc, that they show. They also said that C4 had not sought or received any advice from Ofcom stating that these censored versions must be shown.
May I respectfully suggest that your ‘experts’ contact Ofcom for clarification/confirmation of the actual situation, so that this unnecessary ‘nannying’ of the adult audience can be ended? I am particularly worried that C4’s pro-censorship stance will result in Film Four FTA being censored, apparently ignoring rule 1.21 from Ofcom’s code, that allows 18 certificate movies to be shown on any channel, after the watershed.
