Support for BBC screening 'Jerry Springer- the Opera'

The BBC has experienced a deluge of complaints concerning its screening of 'Jerry Springer- the Opera'. Most of these complainants take issue with the religious references, the bad language or the sexual themes in the show. There have also been criticisms of the opera's low moral tone.

It is relatively easy to complain to or about the BBC, with clear channels for doing so. It is less easy to find a central arena in which to display support for the BBC's courage in airing the show. We, the undersigned, may or not be fans of 'Jerry Springer- the Opera' but whatever the differences in our opinions of the show, we all value free speech, diversity of opinion and abhor censorship.

When we are offended by programming content, we switch channel or turn off the television. Those who complain about the BBC's editorial decision are not content with censoring their own viewing in this way, but wish to act as moral guardians for the rest of the nation.

Many of us may be appalled by the low standard of television programming, but top-down censorship is not the answer. So thank you to Mark Thompson, the director general of the BBC, and all those at the BBC who supported the airing of 'Jerry Springer- the Opera' and did not back down in the face of a vocal minority.