I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue

[charmbrights]

"I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue" has, in its previous 60 (yes, sixty) series, been reasonably neutral politically. Maybe the odd joke about current affairs, but nothing nasty.

The first episode of series 61 has changed all that. Perhaps it is a coincidence that this coincides with the arrival of Susan Calman, who knows of no other way to get a laugh, or perhaps she was introduced to emphasise this change. However it happened one whole sketch depended for its humour on the premise that saying something, anything, nasty about Michael Gove and Nigel Farage is automatically funny.

The advertisements for this programme www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b047ws80 say

Regular listeners will know to expect inspired nonsense, pointless revelry and Colin Sell at the piano.

and that was what the programme was, and was its main appeal. Now it has become just another vehicle for the BBC's anti-Tory propaganda.

I have complained to the BBC but I expect to be told that I know nothing and the BBC knows best; I'll report when I get the expected reply.

[thehighlandrebel]

Tuned in...heard Michael Gove and sniggers....turned it off.

[Teddy Bear]

I have complained to the BBC but I expect to be told that I know nothing and the BBC knows best; I'll report when I get the expected reply.

I've no doubt you're correct, but it's good anyway to have their consistent record at dismissing those who don't agree with their foul agenda.

Reading a few articles about this Susan Calman I think it's no coincidence that I'm reminded a lot of 'Toxic' Toksvig, in more ways than one. So it's no surprise that she would find work at the BBC.

[charmbrights]

Last night's second edition of this series was very careful to ignore politics - as almost all the previous series were.

[charmbrights]

Jul 6, 2014 12:10:21 GMT charmbrights said:

... I have complained to the BBC but I expect to be told that I know nothing and the BBC knows best; I'll report when I get the expected reply.

Here it is:

Reference CAS-2797128-RL8C8R

Thank you for contacting us regarding the BBC Radio 4 programme ‘I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue’ on 6 July.
We understand you feel that while the series has always been neutral throughout the last 60 series’, this episode displayed a political bias.
We’re pleased to read that you’ve been a loyal listener to the show for so long, but sorry to hear you were disappointed with this episode.

BBC comedy series have no particular political axe to grind. It is rather the case that in programmes of this nature the Government of the day, whichever party that may be, tends to come in for greater criticism than opposition parties because its policies determine the running of the country and have a greater bearing on our daily lives.

As the BBC is a public service financed by the licence fee it must provide programmes which cater for the whole range of tastes in comedy. We believe that there is no single set of standards in this area on which the whole of society can agree, and it is inevitable that programmes which are acceptable to some will occasionally strike others as inappropriate. The only realistic and fair approach for us is to ensure that the range of comedy is broad enough for all listeners to feel that they are catered for at least some of the time.

In the meantime your concerns have been recorded and we would still like to reassure you that we have taken your feedback on board and sent it to the programme team. All complaints are also sent to senior management and the Executive Board - we have included your points in this overnight report. These reports are among the most widely read sources of feedback in the BBC and this ensures that your complaint has been seen by the right people quickly. This keeps people informed about audience feedback and how we can respond in our coverage in future.

Once again, thanks for getting in touch.

Kind Regards
Anna Sweeney
BBC Complaints
www.bbc.co.uk/complaints

NB This is sent from an outgoing account only which is not monitored. You cannot reply to this email address but if necessary please contact us via our webform quoting any case number we provided.

I particularly like the last sentence, considering how complicated and time consuming any use of the BBC complaints webform is.

[Teddy Bear]

I've posted the response on this thread too Charm. Well done for your effort, though the reply was always predictable a la BBC.