Still an idiot Big Brother

By Holy Byrnes
April 26, 2007

LESS than 48 hours after returning to TV screens, Big Brother has disgraced itself yet again.

Despite warnings it would be "watched" closely for anti-social behaviour by the TV industry's "big brother", a clip of contestant Bodie, calling himself a "dense c..." went to air during a PG-rated timeslot.

The 23-year-old electrical designer and underwear model had earlier introduced himself to BB audiences as someone who likes "making a fool of myself".

Viewers complained the reality show's producers failed to bleep out the offensive language on Tuesday night, which was part of an edited package of highlights from the first 48 hours of the latest series.

A spokesman for Big Brother production company Endemol Southern Star was unaware of the incident when contacted yesterday, but referred criticism to Channel 10.

In a statement, a network spokesman said: "The segment in question was part of a pre-recorded program. When such programs are complied (sic) they are thoroughly checked and ensure they meet all the appropriate classifications prior to broadcast.

"The words the housemate used were muffled and indistinct and did not alert our censors that inappropriate language had been used."

"We have listened to the segment several times today and in our view it is difficult to confirm whether it contained coarse language or not."

The blooper has turned up the heat on Federal Communications Minister Helen Coonan to make an example of Channel 10, after she last year ordered the Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA) to investigate the show.

A spokesman for ACMA confirmed their findings had been delivered to Senator Coonan's office in the past week, but a spokeswoman for the minister declined to comment on the findings or when they would be released.

It is understood the minister has been heavied by some members of the Government to take a stand against the controversial program, as an example for the genre in general.

Channel 10 said the show "undergoes multi levels of screening before it goes to air and it is during this process that all course (sic) language and obscenities are removed.

"As always, all care and diligence is taken to ensure that we comply with the code of practice."

http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story...2-10388,00.html