Channel 4 defends show in second race row

Channel 4 is facing new accusations of racism against reality television show Shipwrecked over comments made by one of the contestants.

MPs have slammed the decision to screen the comments, suggesting that it is irresponsible, sensationalist and an attempt to attract viewers. Channel 4 insists that it is exploring social issues and in no way condones racism.

Gap year student Lucy Buchanan, 18, claimed on the show that she supported slavery, made offensive comments about black people and said that she did not agree with different cultures coming to Britain.

"When I look out at what Britain is, it's just a complete mess. I don't appreciate how people come into our country and take over our country," she stated.

Channel 4 is again facing questions about whether broadcasting such statements is responsible and Ofcom has already received more than 200 complaints about the issue.

Shipwrecked is a pre-filmed programme, so Channel 4 bosses would have approved the comments by the former public school pupil for broadcast in Sunday's programme. Fellow contestants on the programme were appalled by the teenager's bigoted remarks and her admission that she was a racist.

The criticism against the broadcaster follow accusations of racist bullying in the Celebrity Big Brother house this month, which saw more than 40,000 complaints lodged with media watchdog Ofcom.

Channel 4 bosses have held an emergency meeting over the future of Big Brother following the row that erupted over treatment of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty by fellow contestants.

Shipwrecked is filmed on two South Pacific islands and shows young people working in two teams to win a cash prize.

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Date:11/01/2007 00:00:00