September 6, 2001 16:26

BRASSED OFF!

The ITC say that Channel 4 did not sufficiently warn viewers of the content of the show...

The INDEPENDENT TELEVISION COMMISSION (ITC) has ordered CHANNEL 4 to apologise for the controversial 'BRASS EYE' episode, in which stars are hoaxed into backing a fake child welfare campaign.

As revealed by NME.COM, the Chris Morris satire hoaxed several well-known music personalities in order to mock the recent tabloid hysteria surrounding paedophiles.

Following its broadcast in July, national newspapers across the UK criticised the show for its output. The ITC received approximately 1,000 complaints relating to "taste, decency and offence and the use of children in the programme" following the broadcast.

Today (September 6), the ITC have issued their ruling. They maintain that although they support the station's right to "produce challenging, original and sometimes disturbing material", Channel 4 did not sufficiently warn viewers of the content of the show.