C of E condemns reality TV
Friday, 02 Mar 2007 16:34
Jade Goody caused controversy on Celebrity Big Brother
Reality television shows are part of a number of programmes that are harming society, the Church of England (C of E) has warned.
Meeting yesterday, the C of E's General Synod criticised a wide range of shows including Little Britain, Strictly Come Dancing and Big Brother.
It heard that "standards of human behaviour are being fatally eroded by constant subjection to suggestions and images promoting the exploitation of other human beings".
One speaker said too many shows "exploit the humiliation of human beings for public entertainment".
The comments follow a much-publicised row over alleged racism and bullying in Big Brother from a number of contestants including Jade Goody. The former darling of the reality TV scene is now working hard to improve her shattered public image.
Strictly Come Dancing was criticised for placing too great an emphasis on the losing couple each week.
Pornographic films, sexually explicit men's magazines and violent computer games also came under fire.
The Synod voted unanimously to speak out against how people are treated on television for entertainment.