BBC News | Entertainment | Watchdog warns of soap sensationalism
Wednesday, July 1, 1998 Published at 11:37 GMT 12:37 UK

Watchdog warns of soap sensationalism

The Broadcasting Standards Commission has warned that an intense ratings war between television soap operas has caused sensationalism to creep into storylines.

In its annual review the watchdog said that introducing difficult subjects in soaps often helps initiating discussions between parents and their children.

Issues such as euthanasia, abortion, mental illness and family breakdown were typical features of storylines.

But it warned that "creeping sensationsalism" was flouting the expectations of the soaps' audiences.

The Commission chairman Lady Howe said that as well as observing the watershed, broadcasters needed to balance their audience's expectations with the powerful impact of their storylines.

Victim TV likened to stocks
In the same report the watchdog compared US-style talk shows to the mediaeval stocks, accusing them of openly humiliating people in the name of entertainment.

It has branded British programmes like Vanessa, Kilroy and American shows hosted by Jerry Springer, Ricki Lake and Oprah Winfrey as "victim entertainment".

The Commission says too often the shows are reduced to sensationalism which some viewers could find disturbing and unpleasant.

Lady Howe said: "A society that has long since abandoned the stocks should think twice about the modern talk show version designed to titillate and entertain rather than inform."

On-camera consent

The Commission also raised the issue of whether the subjects of docu-soaps were aware of their inclusion in programmes.

"Broadcasters should ensure that proper consent is given," Lady Howe said.

"Modern technology has ensured that recording equipment gets smaller and smaller. It is easier to operate, non-professionals can become programme makers."

The watchdog has called for further debate on the issues raised in its report.