Historical flaws of Channel 4 come to light
History proves the efforts made by Channel Four to get popularized by crafting controversial as well as programmes provoking the people.
The report telecast by Channel Four villifying the Sri Lankan Government and the Security Forces is the talk of the day among various communities. Media institutions as well as many critics point out that the effort of Channel Four throughout history had been to draw the attention to it by telecasting programmes instigating the people. The Channel Four television station was founded in Britain in 1982. From then onwards its obstinacy was witnessed. BBC which gave information about these activities said Channel Four clearly showcased this situation in the year 1983 itself. Channel 4 thought it was onto a winner with a pop music show featuring children singing chart-topping hits. But the show was attacked for putting girls in adult cloths make-up and encouraging them to perform provocative routines. A planned second series was cancelled in the wake of the public furore.
Again in 1986 controversy arose with the screening of 18 – rated films in late night slots. These films too had to be discontinued shortly afterwards. Satirist Chris Morris provoked a flood of complaints with a one-off Brass Eye special about paedophilia. Show was attacked for trivializing a serious issue and for duping celebrities. Channel 4 was ordered to broadcast an apology by the Independent Television Commission. On another occasion, Channel 4 attempted to draw the attention of the people through an illusionist surviving his controversial stunt by shooting at his own head. Police claimed it could inspire copycat incidents though it was later reported that the bullets used had been blanks. Allegations were made that the show was promoting gun culture.
The BBC again reported the allegedly racists bulling of Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetti by her fellow celebrity Big Brother housemates which provoked an international incident. Questions were raised in Parliaments effigies were burned in India and crowds were banned from attending Jade Goody’s eviction. Although Channel 4 defended the programme, it was ruled that the station had breached its code of conduct and was ordered to make a number of on-air apologies. Channel 4 earned the wrath of the world for producing programmes with baseless and unfounded facts and instigating the people with the intention of winning international attention
