BBC should have come out fighting

By Alan Tyers

The Brand problem illuminates the depth of dissatisfaction with the BBC – and they are making the situation much worse.

To paraphrase Arsène Wenger, you can bet that a large proportion of the 10,000 complainants “did not ‘ear ze incident”.

Only two people complained after the actual radio show in which, as surely everyone now knows, Russell Brand phoned up “Manuel actor” Andrew Sachs and left a message on his answerphone, with Jonathan Ross chiming in to inform him “Russell f***ed your granddaughter”. There was speculation from the pair as to whether Sachs would now “hang himself”.

Was it funny? Perhaps. Was it hurtful for the Sachs family? Certainly. Should they be asking questions about it in the Houses of Parliament? C’mon… As usual, a large percentage of the outraged are the sort of people who live for these periodic opportunities for indignation.

But almost as many are seizing on a chance to beat the BBC with the licence fee stick yet again. Ross’s six million salary makes this a very easy thing to do. By making such a song and dance about it – lead item on the News last night, Radio Five seemingly given over to it this morning – the BBC perhaps thinks it is appearing to be “in a dialogue” with its punters.

I personally hate this patronising “what do YOU think?” on one hand from the state broadcaster, and “we know where you live, scum, pay your licence or you’re going to court” on the other.

The BBC should have reacted quickly after the actual incident, either to say: “shut up your moaning, it’s comedy, get over it” or “it was unacceptable, and we have sacked x, y, and z”. The hand-wringing just prolonged the row and made the embattled Beeb look so wet.

Comments

[Brian Wylie]

It is irrelevant who was the target for the Brand/Ross calls, or how they felt about it. The whole thing was in appallingly bad taste and to call it entertainment I find astonishing. Those at the BBC should take time out and read the BBC Charter. Many have argued that condemnation was limited to the older generation, polls in yesterday's papers told a different story where disgust was registered by people from 18 to 80. Children lisaten and watch programmes where cursing and blinding is normal and they must get most fo their sex education, or at least the seamier side of it, from what passes for entertainment, It seems the BBC has set itself very low standards, but, unfortunately, has failed to live up to them

[paul]

anyone who has posted on this topic apart from me and has a grand-daughter over 16... i fcuked your grand-daughter!!!

[paul]

DTs - you've put your argument across better than anyone else - very well said my friend - pat yourself on the back. :)

[DTs]

Including you Ivor.
I believe this HAS largely split the nation age-wise. Apparently hardly any Radio 1 listeners complained - which begs the question.. why wasn't RB on Radio 1 ?
You can't legislate for what people find funny. Cruelty is a key aspect of certain types of humour. Ricky Gervais sold out the country's biggest venues with his Animals and Politics tours and the material was cutting, politically incorrect, cruel, obsene and mostly very very funny. He poked fun at some of the weakest and most unfortunate members of society and thousands of people fell about.
You can't tell people what should amuse them. All you can do is broadcast it from a source where most of the listeners/ viewers are like-minded.

[ivor biggun]

Anyone who has posted on this topic is gay

[paul]

John - no john i dont sound like a 4 year old - because a 4 year old wouldnt say 'give a toss' - not the sharpest knife in the draw are u my friend - if u think those celebs are faking it, well sorry but theres just no reasoning with someone like you - a very funny man and ofcourse he would have the talent for it, he makes his audience laugh everytime before he brings his guests out - i suppose their faking it too right? please john, dont say they are, i beg of you - anyway back to the blog - everything should go back to the way it was

[shirley]

Men behaving badly yes !!!! BBC actually okaying it and then broadcasting it not acceptable. BBC wanting publicity, yes.

Ross & Brand 0 BBC 1

[John]

I agree with part of what you say Paul that this has been blown out of all proportion, that Brand and Lesley Douglas shouldnt have needed to resign and that most people complaining about the incident dont have a sense of humour but Im sorry "like JR really gives a toss if any of you dont find him funny" what are you? 4 years old? Do you realise how childish that makes you sound? I doubt Ross reads these blogs to be honest. Humour is a matter of opinion, just because people dont like it doesnt mean that you have to try and force them to just because you do, same goes for vice versa.

Personally I dont think we will see illustrious tributes to Ross after he dies, he's ni Forsyth or Wogan, the likely reason he hasnt done standup or many film cameos is because he has no talent for it.

As for making Stars laugh, if paid enough they will run down the street in just their underwear or climb into a toilet - its called acting - its their profession. I wouldnt believe everything you see on TV.

[paul]

Hate Male - with a name like that i'm not suprised you feel that way - maybe cos you dont get any attention from us u hate us, i definately think JR is worth that much and deserves every penny - just heard he has decided to pull out of hosting that awards show - absoloutely gutted !!!

[Hate Male]

I never could stand Jonathan Ross but to know how much he is paid per year that I contribute to to turn him off, just takes my breath away?

Nobody is worth that much!

[paul]

michel - i watch it because of JR and if it was any other presenter it would get considerably less views - JR IS a legend, no question about it - he will be one of those celebs whose work will only be truly appreciated when he's dead, which is a shame as his comedy is underated i think and its a shame he never did stand up or had a few cameo roles in films - like JR really gives a toss if any of you dont find him funny - he makes hollywood celebs laugh out loud - i suppose they're faking it right? nah didnt think so - RB is also funny and i feel sorry for him that he's quit his show all because of some miserable brits who dont have a sense of humour - i wonder if those people would have complained if they knew what we know now about the mans grand-daughter - a former dominatrix who charged £100 an hour - her grand-dad must be very proud! this whole thing has been blown way out of proportion - brand should get his job back - that woman who quit her job should get her job back and JR should have his suspension lifted - ofcom should have fined the bbc as the show wasnt live and that should have been the end of it - they've both already apologised - end off

[michel]

BBC say Ross's friday night chat show draws 4.5 million viewers. people watch the show for the Guests, not to see Ross. If someone else presented the show there would be a lot more viewers. Bring on Roland Rat, he has more talent than Ross.

[John]

"This story seems to have split the nation age wise."

I dont think thats really true, its just an immature prank so will appeal to the immature (you can get immature older people, just look at Ross and Brand)

It no way deserves the spotlight its got though, I mean being on the news, the front pages and everywhere else? please. this shouldve been a quick entry in the quirky pages at the most. An apology would be all thats needed, fair play for Sachs for not milking it like his granddaughter.

The fact Ross and Brand arent really that funny (Ross? Legend? bloody hell!) and that the TV licence is mostly a waste of money (but then always HAS been) are two completely different issues.

[Cubbage]

Don't worry chavs. He'll be back soon, saying 'bum' out loud just like he always has and making you laugh hysterically. You know, I think he's even funnier than Jim Davidson, but perhaps not quite as talented as Gary Glitter.

[paul]

if u dont either of them funny, then you've got no sense of humour - especially if you dont find JR funny - there's definately something wrong with you

[Not very good at captions]

Ross was good once, years ago on Channel 4 when he was a relatively unknown. These days I find him barely funny enough to appear in sketches that take the mick out of people who can't pronounce their Rs. It's sad when fame makes people get so up themselves.

[Brian Wylie]

The fact that the BBC outbid ITV for Ross says a lot for the quality of broadcasting in this country . Ross would have been perfect for advertising toilet paper along with his unfunny scruffy mate. I am astonished that some are actually defending these two. I have two words ffor them and the second is off, unlike these people I was to well brought up to use them in public. It is really time the BBC cleaned up it's act and tried to regain the position it once held in the world media.
MAny say that the controller of the channel who allowed the obscene phome calls to go out should have not resigned I am pleased that, at last, someone in authority has taken the blame for the actions iof their subordinates. It is something our current crop of politicians could learn from. It is a sad fact that our media spend most of it's time in the gutter where there is plenty of material.

[PRAVDA]

'That Was The Week That Was' was 'edgy', but it was also biting satire. The same could be said of 'Spitting Image'. 'Saturday Night Live' could be edgy, and use obscene language, as could 'The Young Ones'. But the present crop of rap (with a 'c' in front) [and I would also include the likes of Graham Norton]isn't 'edgy', it's juvenile and purile, it's a cruel schoolboy snigger, and it is dependent upon targeting someone who can't strike back, and has no power, as opposed to legitimate targets. In it's imbecilic arrogance it demonstrates much that is wrong with the country, and with a generation that says it disapproves of many things (pollution, war, etc, etc), yet unlike earlier generations thinks itself powerless to do anything about it, so can oly go out binge drinking when it isn't sniggering with Wonowon Woss and Backcombed Brand X.

[Jenny T]

Russel Brand is a wild card and that's why we love him!

The BBC and it's audience of stuffed shirts is perhaps the wrong place for him and his talents. I love him and still do, for goodness sake, he's funny because he's outrageous, and ok, this time he overstepped the mark, so what? One mistake, he's apologised. Get over it and lighten up!

[paul]

Amanda - she made the decision to sleep with him - it's all her fault

[Not very good at captions]

Ross ranks too highly in his opinion.

(pronounce this with an impediment)

[Amanda]

To all you 'get a life' wollas (there are other phrases, you know) - if you received a message on your answerphone giving explicit details of your grand-daughter or even your daughter, for those of you not old enough to be grandparents, how the hell would you feel? Would you be so laid-back if your darling daughter were the one being cheapened and ridiculed? And would you really be happy to dismiss as 'a schoolboy prank' revelations from a randy half-wit of your offspring's sexual activities? Sorry, but anyone who says they would be OK with that, is either stupid or lying. And if your standards are that low... well, I hear there's a well-paid radio presenter's job going begging.

[paul]

jonathan ross is a legend - the best chat show host on tv and tv wouldnt be the same without him - russel brand is funny but not as funny as jonathan ross and he's also a bit of a weirdo and to be quite honest i dont know what women see in him - i think everyone just needs to lighten up about the situation - if u think about it, its all that girls fault for sleeping with russel in the first place, knowing what he's like and being the grand-daughter of whoever that old man is - as far as them not being worth their salaries, dont be jealous - if you wanna complain about overpaid professionals then its footballers that you wanna be talking about - no way should JR be sacked - he's apologised and that should be the end of it - russel brand gonna make a mint in hollywood anyway so not that big a deal for him that he quit his radio show i dont think

[Miss you already Russell!]

I reckon that the problem is caused by the Beeb trying to be all things to all people. They need a younger audience to guarantee their audience figures into the future. This story seems to have split the nation age wise. I would like to know how many emailed in support of them. It does seem from the number of complaints (Blimey don't people have better things to do) that maybe Ross and certainly Brand were a bit too edgy for Radio 2.
They should have stuck with boring old Terry Wogan. He's more their average listeners cup o' tea.
I for one will miss Russell Brand. He's natural witty and his song of apology to Andrew Sachs cracked me up. A Christmas number one? !!

[annie]

I think that an awful lot has been said about this stunt, but I would like to add that Ross has consistenly been getting cruder and cruder in his shows and it is about time that he was shown the door. Behaving like silly schoolboys does not endear me to pay my licence fee. Is he worth 18 million I don't think so. Please BBC get rid of this joker.

[WALLER-JOLLER]

They are both turds and it took this for everyone to realise it. Flush 'em away.

[acme]

With people like Ross And Brand, there is only one excuse for their type of "humour", put it down to breeding(or the lack of it)!

[John]

These people of just idiots. They are rude people who are over paid and think they can get away with anything because they have money - I'm so glad I dont listen to such rubbish as radio 2 - Radio 4 is much better. I do object to my licence money being spent this way 6 million a year for Jonathon Ross thats a joke in itself - Then again who would be in a band called the satanic sluts? surley only a sl$t herself. Its about time the BBC grew up and started to use real time in their broadcasting at least then you could edit these insults before the public hear them.

[Tanya]

What a load of rubbish, people complaining when they never even heard it! Get over the licence fee...it aint gonna change. Ross and Brand have always been into this type of humour and everyone knows it who watches or listens to them. And now Gordon is involved...what a good way to direct attention from the real problems in the world, like attrocities and death and war and people losing their jobs. Get real and get a life you complainers or just dont listen or watch!

[Amanda]

Thank goodness one person in all of this shabby mess has some dignity - Andrew Sachs. The grand-daughter sold hers to the devil when she slept with the half-wit known as Russell Brand, Ross and Brand himself aren't fit to present a village hall pantomime, and the BBC - where would I begin? With the exception of the lovely Andrew Sachs, all of the above are a sorry example of what is wrong with Britain today. Overpaid left-wing hypocrites, reaping the benefits of the capitalist society they claim to despise. Before we all say 'Boo Hoo - poor Jonathan, family man, got to feed his children' etc etc - think. Is he on the breadline? No. Does he live in a squalid rented bedsit he can't afford the rent on? No. I'm afraid this overpaid, loud-mouthed oaf has pushed the limits just too far this time, and instead of letting his 'mate' fall on his sword alone, should do the decent thing, and resign. Crikey, hasn't he banged on loud enough and long enough how talented and clever his wife is (matter of opinion)? Surely she could be the breadwinner for a while whilst he is on Jobseeker's Allowance?

[phil]

i totally agree that this was a stupid idea to broadcast this, the fact of the matter is i cant stand brand or ross but from an outside view they made the call but the BBC were the one's to broadcast it this is a pre recorded call. the end of the day any one who sleeps with brand is asking for trouble it was only a matter of time befor it happend. i dont think that anyone has the right to blame brand or ross as the bbc made the decision to play the recording.

[MusicInMe]

Bear this in mind. David Baddiel revealed on the previous show that he met Georgina Baillie at Russell's house and she told him not to mention to her grandfather that she was there in the first place, she was there with the rest of her group The Satanic Sluts. If she was so concerned, first of all DON'T go to Russell Brand's house where you know you certainly won't be just getting a cup of tea and a slice of cake, second, don't join a group called The Satanic Sluts and start feeling concern for your 78 year old grandfather when your dirty little secret is revealed, and for goodness sake, don't start milking it for all you've got by saying that Russell was a flop in bed anyway.
Fine what they did was a stupid stupid thing, and I wouldn't condone it but Georgina can't start claiming to be the good clean virgin she obviously isn't. Oh by the way, if you want to talk money, think about the vast sums of money she's getting from the tabloids for her story. Also have any of you heard of The Satanic Sluts before this? No? Thought not.

[Mike]

Totally agree with the 10,000 others, Brand & Ross are paid a salary larger than their ego's hard to believe I know. They forget they are employed and paid handsomely to entertain the listening public, not to phone them up and leave lewd messages on private phones. The BBC should have acted immediately and sacked Brand and taken Ross to one side and reminded him just how he figures in the great scheme of things. Apologies from this pair of jokers is worthless, probably said with a smirk still on their faces!!

[Michael]

Ross has been pushing his luck for a long time now, he has been quite insulting on his radio show to callers before. I had to switsh off radio 2 because I couldn't stand him. Even on his TV show he askes the same question several times before allowing his guest to reply. Mr. Ross has no talent whatsoever, he should go. Michael.

[ellen dempset]

why ross and brand got jobs with the BBC as comics i will never understand, they are as funny as a dead maggot

[prisoner]

£6 million for being rude offensive, downright childish & talentless.

"gizza job"

[ferfuksake]

what a stupid little girl...getting involved with a mindless ugly disgutin prik like brand....yeuchkkk
id rather s--g a silverback.

[.]

While their at it the BBC can get rid of most of these types, most of whom are about as funny as a boil on the end of your p rick

[Alastair]

Apart from the poor taste of the entire broadcast, the fact remains that they committed a criminal offence under telecommunications legislation. If I and a mate did the same thing to someone I have no doubt that we would be arrested and charged. Why should these two talentless presenters get away with it?

[Tim]

The thing is hardly anyone heard it and only two complained at the time! so most of the complaints are complaining because of all the second hand coverage not the actual broadcast. As it was pre-recorded the responcibility lies with those that decided to air it not with Brand and Ross!

[Jackie]

Surely what is at issue here is whether this can be called comedy? and if it is the correct use of licence payers money? If any of us made calls of this nature, I'm very sure we would be facing a police investigation under the telecommnications laws. I am not an old fuddy duddy by any stretch of the imagination but this is not what I pay my overpriced licence fee for. I don't expect people to be humiliated for 'my' entertainment. Its time that the BBc had a major overhaul and nonsense like this stopped.

[Tony]

I've always wondered how these two could be considered as entertainers so it's good to see that they will not be allowed on air for awhile,and hopefully they will be replaced by more talented people

[DT's]

Was it actually live or is there a time delay during which someone could have listened in and pulled the plug on it? The Beeb knows what these two are like. Surely they don't give them carte blanche to do or say whatever they like?
Having said that - it is an anti-cyclone in a hot beverage drinking recepticle. A sincere apology should be all that's needed.
This country seems to have lost it's colective sense of humour.

[Jason]

A pair of overgrown delinquent school kids with greasy hair and dirty fingernails. Just the sight of them makes you shudder, never mind their foul mouths.

£6 million a year. HA HA HA!!
And who're the mugs?

Time the BBC was broken up and had to earn its keep in the real world like the rest of us.

[Shell]

I have been a fan of both Brand and Ross but I think it is absolutely time they were reigned in. Their arrogance makes them think they can get away with anything, it's good to see that they can't. The BBC do have standards that need to be upheld. I just think they should have acted more quickly instead of waiting to see if it would go away.

[Peter]

We pay a licence fee for people to broadcast this garbage?

[pete]

What a shame the BBC didn't sack the pair of nasty, unfunny,overpaid, undertalented men.

[John]

Any chance for people to blow it out of proportion, as the granddaughter is trying to milk it for its worth for the media's money, who are only picking it up so much because she is photogenic.

The lot of them, Andrew Sachs apart who i dont think has actually commented on it [and surely everyone including his granddaughter shouldve waited to see if HE saw the funny side or not before booting off] are just a bunch of childish idiots but thats as far as it goes, shouldnt be on the news AT ALL.

As always the media focuses on rich "celebrities" rather than events that actually MATTER in the world.

[PM]

I Agree Tam, there are bigger problems happening at the moment. I bet Georgina Baillie will be making the most of this publicity just you watch, I had never heard of her until yesterday like most people I bet.

[Tam]

Just listened to it on youtube. They sounded like a couple of schoolboys making prank calls and I giggled all the way through it.
Andrew Sachs has been in show biz for decades and must have been the but of jokes before. I can understand the grand daughter feeling a bit upset and embarrassed but she is in a group called the satanic sluts and chose to engage in a sexual encounter with Russell Brand so she shouldn't be surprised either. Get over it everyone. Let them apologise and move on.