Tabloid targets C4 sitcom
Free Agents under fire over swearing
The Sunday Express has decided that new Channel 4 comedy Free Agents could be ‘the foulest sitcom ever’.In a news story, the right-wing tabloid states that: ‘The content of the show is bound to offend viewers.”
And, before waiting for any figures, decided that: ‘TV watchdog Ofcom is preparing for a wave of complaints over the shocking language.’
The show, starring Anthony Head, Sharon Horgan and Stephen Mangan, included the word ‘cunt’ three times and ‘fuck’ 22 times in its first episode, which aired at 10pm on Friday.
Head has said: ‘Free Agents is a very adult show, but it is very funny and I get to say words I’ve never said on television before. It’s very liberating.’
John Beyer from campaign group Mediawatch – which was originally started by May Whitehouse said: ‘The obscene language in this programme is appalling by any standard. It shows a disregard of public concern that is completely unacceptable from a public service broadcaster.
The Sunday Express – which is owned by porn baron Richard Desmond – is running a Stop Swearing On TV campaign.
Published: 15 Feb 2009
