The Stage

Treatment of young people on Britain’s Got Talent did not breach code, Ofcom rules

Published Monday 23 November 2009 at 12:03 by Matthew Hemley

ITV show Britain’s Got Talent has been cleared of breaching the broadcasting code following complaints made about the welfare of young contestants who featured in this year’s series, including ten-year-old Hollie Steele.

Ofcom said it had received 409 complaints over incidents featured in the series, broadcast in May this year, during which three young contestants appeared “visibly upset”.

It heard that viewers had been concerned about the wellbeing of ten-year-old Natalie Okri, Steele and 12-year-old Aidan Davis on the show.

Although 259 complaints were actually made by viewers who were angry that Steele had been given another chance to sing after forgetting the words to her song, Ofcom said the “majority of the rest” were “largely concerned about the welfare of the younger child contestants”.

Channel TV had responsibility for ensuring compliance with the broadcasting code on behalf of ITV, with Ofcom asking it to comment with respect to one of the code’s rules, which states that “due care must be taken over the physical and emotional welfare” of people under 18.

Channel ackowledged that “some children experience anxiety when being judged” but said judges are briefed to ensure they give “constructive comments based on a child’s performance”.

It said it understood that taking part can be an “emotional time for children”.

Regarding Steele, it said a chaperone was placed off stage to “give her reassurance” and that a visit from Brent Local Education Authority the day before she performed had found that the authority was “happy with the child welfare arrangements in place”.

Ofcom concluded that “particular actions” had been taken by the broadcaster, chaperones, carers and parents to ensure the welfare and dignity of children throughout the audition process and televised shows.

It said it was satisfied that “due care was taken” with the children, but urged broadcasters to take “appropriate care with regard to the participation of children in programmes with a competitive element”.

Ofcom today also responded to complaints about Susan Boyle’s involvement in Britain’s Got Talent.

It said 53 people complained that Boyle was “too vulnerable” to participate in a live talent contest, but said its remit does not “extend to protecting the welfare of those aged 18 or over”.

It said: “Ofcom did not receive a complaint from Susan Boyle regarding her participation in the programme. We have therefore not investigated complaints made by members of the public that related to Ms Boyle’s welfare as a participant on the programme.”

Ofcom also looked at whether the broadcast of the programme broke rules around “generally accepted standards” through humiliation, distress or violation of human dignity.

“Susan Boyle did not appear humiliated or particularly distressed,” Ofcom said.