BBC rapped over fridge trailers

The BBC has been officially criticised for screening a trailer showing Johnny Vegas living in a fridge.

Viewers complained that the clip, used to advertise Radio 4's comedy output, might encourage children to copy his bad example - with possibly fatal consequences.

After the concerns were raised, corporation chiefs ensured the trailer was never screened before the 9pm watershed, but now Ofcom watchdogs said the ad should never have been screened early in the first place.

In it, Vegas is seen sitting in a fridge handing out food to make a pizza, with the door closing with him still inside before the slogan 'Comedy In Unexpected Places' is revealed.

A total of 37 viewers complained to Ofcom watchdogs, who agreed that the promotion broke the code of standards broadcasters must abide by.

Their ruling said: " The BBC said it was careful to keep the promotion away from children's programmes.

"There were several occasions, though, when it did appear alongside programmes which, although not specifically targeted at children, were likely to attract a significant number of younger viewers.

"The BBC accepted that this was an error of judgement

"We welcomed the BBC's action in removing this promotion from pre-watershed broadcasts. However, we would not expect material to be shown before the 9pm watershed which could be easily imitated by children and potentially harmful.

"In this case, there was the added possibility that children may not initially understand the comic situation and be able to assess the action's potential for harm."

Published: 20 Apr 2004