Producers slam new BBC checklists

Producers of BBC comedy shows are being forced to fill in forms to check whether their programmes are offensive.

Writers fear the extra red tape could mean comedies and satires lose their edge.

The new three-page checklists, which apply to all BBC programmes, are designed to provide a paper trail in case of complaints.

The 'compliance forms' ask for details of material likely to flout guidelines on religion, sex, race and the portrayal of real people and events.

Critics say the bureaucracy could have blocked like Dead Ringers and The Office; and Monty Python's Michael Palin said he 'deplored' the attempt to control creativity.

Dead Ringers producer Bill Dare said the forms completely misunderstood the nature of comedy.

He told the Observer: "It's arse-covering. Making a programme is not scientific; it's quite intuitive. Filling in a form like this is a complete waste of time and is designed to put you off taking risks."

Satirist Armando Iannucci added: 'The legal people are always making things more complicated. They don't understand that comedy is meant to be inaccurate and if it isn't then it probably isn't any good. Comedians aren't standing for election."

A spokesman for the BBC said: There have actually always been forms to complete before the transmission of television programmes - this is just a new form. We have to be able to show that we are complying with guidelines, and with the law."

"It is a huge bore, maybe, but better than a court case."

Published: 7 Mar 2004