By Gabriel Princewill-
Head of ITV, Carolyn McCall,(pictured) is under pressure to ensure a more responsible cohort of participants on I’m a celebrity Get Me Out Of Here”, after her broadcaster endorsed a rule breaker and a cheat as one to be celebrated by the nation.
The appalling judgement of enrolling former Health Secretary Matt Hancock on the programme continues to haunt the broadcaster after press regulator, IPSO ruled that the Daily Mirror was correct to criticise its choice of selecting Hancock to participate in the programme.
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This publication has been in communication with Ms McCalls representatives on a few occasions over the importance of taking due care in positively influencing The British public, and not consciously or inadvertently priotize monetary gains over ethics.
The ill judgement of including Hancock – a cheat and rule breaker on multiple levels, has greatly questioned the integrity of the show’s programme makers and the broadcaster, as the British media comes under increased scrutiny over its individual and collective integrity, following a series of scandals in the press.
ITV and the BBC have taken centre stage in these scandals of late, before The Sun and The MailOnline found themselves in the middle of a rot of their own.
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Within the space of a few months, Phil Schofield was booted out of his job after it emerged he had an affair with a young runner of the show, whom he met a the age of 15. Then within weeks, the wife of BBC presenter Huw Edwards, identified her husband as the man at the centre of allegations that he paid a 17 year old girl on crack cocaine £35,000 for nude pictures.
It wasn’t long after that the Byline Times revealed that Sun and MailOnline columnist, Dan Wooton, had paid exorbitant amounts of money for both nudes, intimate and secret sexual tapes of employees of The Sun Newspaper , and allegedly subjecting some employees of the latter publication to a torrid time of harassment.
An alarming lack of discretion among those at the helm of decision -making in several media organisations , gives cause for pause, ostensibly calling for an overhaul of procedures by those on the firing line.
More prudent oversight is needed to restore the honour if an important profession like journalism , otherwise made up of many smart and influential people.
The need for reasonable boundaries in the media has never been more urgent that the present time.
Presenting a destroyer of the family unit and a rule breaker as a celebrity may pale in comparison with having as a lead presenter a married man in Phil Schofield who was engaging in a sordid affair with a young man he met at the tender age of 15, but both are a worrying slight for the broadcaster.
Granted, ITV has denied any knowledge of the Phil Schofield relationship at the time, nevertheless it is a horrendous look for cynics who can be forgiven for adopting a pessimistic view of all those who have distanced themselves from the experience.
When a man who broke covid rules and cheated on his wife is presented to the British public as a celebrity, it becomes an implicit endorsement of not just the man, but also the transgressions he is guilty of.
The only possible defence is that ITV privately concurs with Matt Hancock that social distancing was not really as important as the public were led to believe, and dumping one’s life partner and wrecking the marriage of another is really a private matter that should not stop the cheat from being adored and celebrated.
ITV holds a vital role in shaping the content presented on “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!” Ensuring that future contestants undergo rigorous scrutiny to embody the historical meaning of celebrity as celebrated and honourable individuals is crucial for upholding the show’s reputation and its societal impact.
Given the powerful medium of television in reaching millions of viewers in shaping cultural norms and influencing public perception, ITV under the auspices of Carolyn McCall, holds a responsibility in presenting contestants who uphold the values that society holds dear.
The inclusion of public figures with questionable moral character, like Matt Hancock, can inadvertently normalize undesirable behaviour, leading to a decline in societal values.
“I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!” is a widely popular reality TV show that has entertained audiences for years. However, recent controversies surrounding the participation of Matt Hancock, a political figure who broke COVID rules and engaged in infidelity, have brought attention to the need for the show’s producers, led by Carolyn McCall, to exercise a higher level of scrutiny when selecting future contestants.
The selection of contestants on reality shows, particularly one purported to be celebrity orientated, should be on ethical standards and careful consideration of their actions, especially if they are public figures or individuals with significant influence.
Role Models
As prominent individuals, contestants on “I’m a Celebrity” are role models for viewers, particularly the younger audience. By scrutinizing potential contestants more closely, the show can set a higher standard for ethical behavior, promoting positive values among viewers.
Reality TV shows have the unique opportunity to showcase a diverse range of role models. By choosing contestants with diverse backgrounds and positive contributions to society, the show can celebrate those who make a difference in their communities, inspire others, and reinforce positive values. This inclusivity can lead to a stronger, more cohesive society that values empathy, kindness, and compassion.
Preventing Glorification of Wrongdoers
The media’s obsession with scandals and controversial figures can inadvertently glorify wrongdoers, providing them with a platform to exploit their infamy for personal gain.
Through the close scrutiny of contestants, Carol Mcclyne must preside over a system that avoids giving a platform to individuals who have violated societal norms and instead focus on those who have made positive contributions to society.
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