Broadcasting regulator Ofcom has revealed the 10 television programmes that have led to it receiving the largest number of complaints.
It marks the 500th edition of Ofcom’s Broadcast Bulletin - a fortnightly newletter about what complaints are being investigated that has out every second Monday since 2004.
Ofcom has a statutory duty to “represent the interests of citizens and consumers by promoting competition and protecting the public from harmful or offensive material” - and has wide-ranging powers to sanction broadcasters who fall foul of the code.
9. Jerry Springer the Opera
On January 8, 2005, BBC2 broadcast controversial show 'Jerry Springer the Opera', with a book written by comedian Stewart Lee. The show had already provoked demonstrations outside theatres over its "representation of the Christian community" and received 8,860 complaints after it appeared on television. A Christian lobby group also tried to take a BBC director to court for blasphemy Ofcom found that it had not broken broadcasting rules. | Contributed
10. King Charles III: The Coronation
ITV's broadcast of the coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023, was subject to 8,421 complaints after actress Adjoa Andoh highlighted the lack of diversity apparent when the Royal Family appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Ofcom said that the broadcast did not raise issues under their rules. | Getty Images