BBC Asian Network poll: Take ‘Big Brother’ off air!

After two weeks of unprecedented interest and outrage from listeners at the treatment of Shilpa Shetty in the ‘Big Brother’ house, last night the BBC Asian Network asked listeners:

‘Should ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ be taken off the air?’

In a final result announced this morning on Anita Rani’s phone-in show, 67% of BBC Asian Network listeners voted ‘yes’ ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ should indeed be taken off air.

This is the official response from a Channel 4 spokesperson to a listener�۪s request to take the programme off air:

“As a viewer of the programme I am sure you will appreciate that the social interactions and dynamics of the group are one of the key parts of the ‘Big Brother’ story and a part that viewers have a right to see portrayed fairly and accurately, even when it may make for uncomfortable viewing”.

“While we do try to encourage housemates to try and resolve any issues between them should that be possible, our duty to present the story as it unfolds”.

When David Miliband, Secretary of State for the Environment, joined Anita in the studio this morning he disagreed with the text outcome:

“Taking the programme off the air smacks of the sort of govt we don�۪t really want to emulate so I think it�۪s better to keep it on air but vote her (Jade) out”.

Commercial station Talk Sport also ran a similar poll in Jon Gaunt’s programme (10:00 – 13:00 today). The result was an overwhelming 70% voting against ‘Big Brother’, saying the current series should be taken off Channel 4.

BizAsia.co.uk is too running a special poll asking if Channel 4 should take the programme off air. Voice your opinions and let us know your views.

With ‘Big Brother’s’ sponsor Carphone Warehouse axing its current deal with the controversial show, Channel 4 boss Andy Duncan remained relaxed and rubbished comments that the programme should be taken off air.

“No we are not going to pull the plug on ‘Big Brother’ as a programme format. Carphone Warehouse have got to make what they believe is the right decision for their brand.”

He added: “I am not ashamed of what we broadcast on Channel 4. Quite the opposite. Of course there are times when people fall out with each other. That reflects society as a whole.”