Channel 4 Needs A Reality Check

At the start of the last decade, Channel 4 brought us Big Brother. Teenagers all over the UK told their parents that they were watching it for Psychology or Sociology, or both. Few parents believed their teenagers, and, let’s face it, few teenagers were telling the truth. Big Brother soon became less Psychology experiment, more social chat and summer holiday TV. Channel 4 invented reality TV as we know it, and, by doing so, became the channel some fell in love with, some fell in love on, and others loved to hate.

Yes, I admit to being a Big Brother fan during my younger and less sensible years. And as those of you who read Same Difference during Big Brother 9 would know, I kept a particularly close eye on that series, which featured one blind and one partially sighted housemate. (Please forgive the pun). And I was thrilled that two DisAbled housemates had finally been featured on Big Brother.

Now, everyone knows that Big Brother hasn’t always been right. I’m sure you all remember the Jade Goody/Shilpa Shetty race row of Celebrity Big Brother 2007, for which Channel 4 received a lot of complaints and criticism.

This time, however, I think that even Channel 4 have gone too far. At the start of this decade, they have revealed that they are seeking a terminally ill patient to donate their body to be mummified, for a planned programme which will explore the mysteries of ancient Egyptian embalming.

Channel 4 said: “If the scientists are able to find a donor, we would be willing to follow the process.”

It is understood the project – which has been proposed by production company Fulcrum TV – is in its very early stages and may not actually be made.

The idea was uncovered when an executive producer from Fulcrum TV, Richard Belfield, spoke to an undercover journalist posing as a possible volunteer.

He was quoted as saying it had been suggested – although it was not obligatory – that the body be placed in a museum exhibition to enable people to understand the mummification process.

Now, the ancient Egyptian mummification process isn’t my cup of tea, but that’s not the reason for writing this. I’m not even here to question the wishes of people who donate their organs or bodies to medical or scientific research. However, surely making a reality TV programme using a dead body, even with the person’s permission, is more than a little unethical? Not to mention spooky.

As I said, personally, I think Channel 4 have gone too far this time. In my opinion, they need a reality check. I’d like to see Ofcom give them one about this programme.

Personally, I doubt they’ll have many volunteers. However, your views may well be different. Whatever they are, I would love to hear them. If anyone reading this is terminally ill, I would particularly appreciate your comments. Thanks!