Ofcom has released data showing the most complained about TV programmes of 2012, with Channel Five’s Big Brother topping the list.
It received over 2,000 complaints during its airtime, with 1,139 complaints alone coming from a heated argument between two housemates which broke the Broadcasting Code by showing footage of threatening language and behaviour.
The X Factor Results show was the second most complained about programme of 2012, receiving 1,488 complaints. Most of these complaints came when s a producer was seen whispering in Louis Walsh’s ear as Carolynne Poole was voted out of the show.
This Morning received 811 complaints following the interview Phillip Schofield conducted with Prime Minister David Cameron. The presenter handed the PM a list of alleged paedophiles associated with the Conservative party.
True Stories: Gypsy Blood was shown on Channel 4 at the beginning of the year, portraying the lives of two fathers and their sons as well as scenes of bare knuckle fighting, dog fighting and cock fighting. It received 509 complaints, further fuelled when the RSPCA embarked on a campaign asking more people to complain to Ofcom.
Live: The Silent Ascent received 378 complaints, whilst Sky News, with the disastrous Kay Burley interview, was sixth on the list with 364. The X Factor (305) Islam: The Untold Story (293) and Citizen Khan (256) were seventh, eighth and ninth on the complaints list. Controversial game show host Keith Lemon was put on air at an earlier time with the new show Lemon Aid which received 246 complaints.