MEDIA RELEASE Thursday, 23 March 2006
Broadcaster Apologises for South Park Offence
C4, which recently broadcast the controversial South Park “Bloody Mary” episode, has had its Standards Committee review
the formal complaints received in relation to the programme.
The Committee has decided not to uphold the complaints, based on compliance with the Television Code approved by the
Broadcasting Standards Authority - an independent Government body.
“However, C4 acknowledges the strength of feeling in relation to the programme, and we sincerely apologise for any
offence taken,” said Chief Operating Officer, Rick Friesen.
“We have detected a shift in the public’s perspective on matters of a religious nature. As a result, we have reviewed
our internal processes for dealing with religious programmes, particularly in relation to religious satire,” said Mr
Friesen.
“Finally, in recognition of the strong reaction to this matter, we have made the decision not to take up our rights to
repeat this episode of South Park,” said Mr Friesen.
ENDS