Branded

I don't think I've made a secret of the fact that i love the BBC. In fact, my dream job would be working in some way, shape or form for that fab company...but recently there has been a huge controversy at the Beeb involving Russel Brand and Johnathan Ross and its really ticked me off so i have to say something about it.

On Russel's radio show Brand and Ross left a rude message on the phone of the actor who played Manuel on Faulty Towers (one of the best comedy shows of all time). The comments were totally uncalled for and something that no Grandfather wants to hear about his Granddaughter (who the comments were about). I agree that it was a bad call to air it at all and that it wasn't even remotely funny ...but i don't think Brand should have been forced to quit over it.

The segment was pr-recorded, so how many BBC officials did the tape have to go through before it was signed off on? Why are none of those people being held responsible for the content? The talent said what they said, but they were not responsible for putting it on air...so why are they having to do all the damage control?

Like i said, the whole things was stupid and if i was paying my BBC fees i probably would have been a bit miffed that that's where my money was going BUT suspend them, dock their pay, make them do a public apology on TV, strip them naked and tie them to a lamppost outside the actors house...but i really don't think they should be forced to leave their jobs. It was an error in judgement for most involved and lets treat it like that, not like some heinous crime.

One of the reasons i love England so much is the brilliant sense of humor and the belief that you should be able to say what you want, despite the fact that some people won't like it.

Now, whats done it done, Brand has quit and no doubt Ross will have some more problems coming his way but hopefully the next time something like this happens the radio/TV listening/watching public at large will be able to deal with it a little more level headedly.