By Gavin Mackintosh-
Channel 4 has been sent a freedom of information request compelling them to reveal the identity of their staff who sent a rude twitter message to Piers Morgan in October. The eye of media.com reported that the conduct was unacceptable and disappointing, coming from a reputable broadcaster like Channel 4 who should be leading the way in terms of moral standards.
The rude tweet was sent in exchange for a contribution of £50 for cancer research . A representative of the broadcaster sent a message saying fxxx yourself to Morgan in a seemingly tongue in cheek message to the television presenter. Morgan revealed that it wasn’t the first time Channel 4 had tweeted a rude message to Morgan, though not one he took seriously. This publication first requested information revealing who was behind the vulgar tweet, and who approved it.
We first asked Channel 4 on November 2nd to reveal the authour of the tweet and who above that individual approved it
An incomplete response came on the 23rd of November, stating: ”the #SU2CRewards initiative was outlined several times on the Channel 4 Twitter account during the day on Friday 26th October. Channel 4 have social media guidelines which are in the public domain and are published in the Channel 4 Producer’s handbook”.
As it failed to answer our question, we were forced to present the broadcaster with a Freedom of Information Request asking for full details to our question. The social media guidelines referred to in the corporation’s initial response may be looked into and analysed once we have received our response.
The donation of £50 meant they would either draw a cartoon of the donor’s avatar, throw Twitter shade at a TV rival, or insult Piers Morgan. It was all done in good spirit, but this publication took exception to a broadcaster like Channel 4 , using vulgar language to promote cancer research, even as a joke. The incident was covered by some sections of the press, but this doesn’t make it a conduct that is right and acceptable.
The potential negative influence such language could have on impressionable young people in the country is very important. Broadcasters and the main media are expected to be aware of the potential effect their actions can have on society, but unfortunately there are always some individuals who overlook this basic expectations and behave as they please.