Is Channel 4 Being Held to Account?

You really do need to listen to this week's episode of MediaGuardian's Media Talk podcast. Presenter Matt Wells interviews C4 Chief Exec Andy Duncan, and really takes him over the coals in response to Ofcom's damning endictment about how Channel 4 and producers Endemol failed in their duty.

As Emily Bell and Janine Gibson, also on the podcast, noted afterwards, there'd be no point in fining Channel 4 as it would simply amount to a fine against producers. But they really lay into Duncan and Chairman Luke Johnson, and wonder how they can remain at the top, particularly with Gordon Brown said to seriously be considering a sell-off of Channel 4.

I'd absolutely hate to see Channel 4 privatised, but I've got to admit that in the channel's current hands, things really aren't going to be too rosy. We've still got the full fallout of the Richard & Judy telephone vote scandal to come (and you just know that listeners who don't religiously hold onto phone bills and take some significant time and trouble, are not going to be reimbursed).

John Naughton points to this excellent piece by Marina Hyde.

Anyway, that's enough on an issue that's sadly only going to serve to give C4 more viewers for the next series. I think I may well reinstate my "BB Email Rule" that automatically deletes any email that mentions the programme and automatically sends a response to the sender asking them remove any reference to said show before re-contacting me.

[As ever, these are my personal opinions, and do not reflect those of my employer]