Ofcom to launch inquiry into Brand/Sachs prank

[PvtPyle]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7694921.stm

Interested to know people's thoughts - do you think that an Ofcom inquiry is overkill, or an appropriate measure given the circumstances?

As much as I cannot stand for over-the-top political correctness, in this case I think it is right that JR and Brand both receive some sort of disciplinary punishment. Jonathon Ross especially is one of the BBCs highest paid presenters and with all his experience, he ought to know where to draw the line. Clearly neither protagonist knows Andrew Sachs very well, or else they would have known that he wouldn't have taken their voicemail messages in good humour, thus I see little difference between what happened here, and being a telephone nuisance.

[Mark]

The fact that it was pre-recorded and still accepted for broadcast shows that the problem goes deeper than just JR and Brand. The BBC was supposed to be putting its editorial house in order after the whole fake competition fiasco, so it looks like someone didn't take the hint.

Frankly, both JR and Brand are 'repeat offenders' and it might be time to give them both a swift kick where it hurts (in the pocket).

[Justsomebloke]

"I Know Nothing" :D
They were ringing up Manwell(sp?) ffs, Ok he is an old duffer now but Me & Millions of other people only know him as Manwell the little funny guy who you kick about for laughs. It was meant as a joke & not nasty & they have apologised time & time again, That should be an end to it. The more official bodys get involved the more I will support Brand, Which is Mental as i think Brand is a complete tosser, Funny though ;)


Edit.

Blimey, Didn't know that Mark :shocked: Whoever OK'ed that needs a kick in the sacks, I thought it was live.

[PvtPyle]

Haha my thoughts on Brand echoed perfectly there ^^

I guess it annoys me that if I buggered up on this scale at work, I should expect a reprimand. Just because these guys get paid a lot more than I do, and their audience stretches a lot further than mine, that should only demand a higher degree of responsibility surely?

[Justsomebloke]

I think it's hard when it comes to Comedy, We want our comedians to be funny but then shoot them down when they go to far. You have to allow our creative people a tad more room to express themselves & Entertain :)

[Mark]

Sounds like the BNP are going on a fishing expedition. If the police try that sort of thing they get laughed out of court, so I hope the BNP get laughed out of the police station.

[Desmo]

Could be a clever move by the BNP. If nothing is done they can just say it's because they are white. Had they been any other skin colour it would have been taken further. Whilst many people will know that is unlikely, as long as their supporters believe it, they've done well for themselves.

[Will]

Meh, I think people take offence too easily these days. Everyone is so sensitive about any innocent comment. I know times change, but I remember when I was at school and you did pranks, called people names and it wasn't ever considered more than banter. Now it seems people take offence for other people no matter what their beliefs are. Has the world gone mad? Ok I know these 2 people represent the beeb and are in the limelight, but ffs they're just people who maybe over did a joke, I really don't see the fuss myself.

[phykell]

Could be a clever move by the BNP. If nothing is done they can just say it's because they are white. Had they been any other skin colour it would have been taken further. Whilst many people will know that is unlikely, as long as their supporters believe it, they've done well for themselves.
Are you saying the BNP are racist then? Do they only allow "white" members? :D

<phykell isn't going to go off on one about the BNP>

[Greenlizard0]

I meant to click yes not no, oops.

[Desmo]

Swapped your vote for you :)