Reply from ITV about anti 4x4 prog!

[BigSi]

Did anybody else get this reply from ITV when they complained about the ‘Driving me Crazy’ programme on TV the other night?

Many thanks for your email which has been passed on to me by our Duty Office.    
 
Firstly, thanks for taking the time to comment on the programme - we are always pleased to hear from viewers.      I am sorry that you thought the programme was biased and vindictive.    Ã¢â‚¬Å“Driving Me Crazy” is a series of personal view programmes and the opinion expressed in each episode is that of its presenter, in this case John Sergeant.  This is explained at the start of the programme and throughout.   In this episode we did present a clear, balanced argument with interviews with the editor of 4x4 magazine and a representative from the Society of Motor Manufacturers as well as contributions from the 4x4 drivers featured.  John also test drove a 4x4 himself and chatted to a sales representative to provide the another side of the story.  We are happy, therefore, that we have complied with all our legal and regulatory obligations.
     
Once again, thanks for your comments and I hope you will continue to watch the rest of the series.  

Best wishes,
Yvonne Alexander    

Were we watching the same programme?  :(bigshock):

[muddy4x4]

Erm I don`t remember all of the above or was it because I walked away!!! I think the program was cut  

[Drift]

In this episode we did present a clear, balanced argument with interviews with the editor of 4x4 magazine

WHEN ? and Balanced argument  :shock:
I had to reread that line as I just could not believe it :shock:

Oh test drove a 4x4 a great big yanky doodle left hooker, yer right built for right hand drive roads was it typical 4x4 was it (if that can be defined)

Grrrr
Ste

[BigSi]

Don't worry, it doesnt get any better no matter how many times you read it!  :(mad):

[denviks]

definatly not watching the programe we were          

[07DefenderSeb]

That's ITV for you. That programme was awful. They might as well have dressed the editor of 4x4 magazine and the representative from the Society of Motor Manufacturers in devil outfits.

I quite like the idea of watching as little ITV as i can. Voting with my feet.

Surely it would be a better representation of celebrity opinions by having another celebrity with the opposing view. Hammond for example. Then it would be fairly balanced, rather than a 4x4 dealer sitting in a cupboard under the stairs getting 5 minutes of the 60 minute programme to put the other side of the story.

I'm defo a BBC boy.

Rant over  :?

[07DefenderSeb]

They should rename the programme "Driving you crazy".[/b]

[mmgemini]

That's ITV for you. That programme was awful. They might as well have dressed the editor of 4x4 magazine and the representative from the Society of Motor Manufacturers in devil outfits.

I quite like the idea of watching as little ITV as i can. Voting with my feet.

Surely it would be a better representation of celebrity opinions by having another celebrity with the opposing view. Hammond for example. Then it would be fairly balanced, rather than a 4x4 dealer sitting in a cupboard under the stairs getting 5 minutes of the 60 minute programme to put the other side of the story.

I'm defo a BBC boy.

Rant over  :?

Do you really think that the government chanel [BBC] are any better ?

[Mudlark]

In this episode we did present a clear, balanced argument with interviews with the editor of 4x4 magazine

WHEN ? and Balanced argument  :shock:
I had to reread that line as I just could not believe it :shock:

Oh test drove a 4x4 a great big yanky doodle left hooker, yer right built for right hand drive roads was it typical 4x4 was it (if that can be defined)

Grrrr
Ste

You mean you missed John Caroll's (ed 4x4 magazine) 4.5 seconds of fame?

[Terranosaurus]

We are happy, therefore, that we have complied with all our legal and regulatory obligations.

Would it be worth reporting them to the industry watchdog, if they have leagl obligations and we can show they didn't fulfill them perhaps they could be made to make a programme showing the other side. If enough people complain perhaps OFCOM (i think its them) will look in to it.

[andyhubbard]

Don't waste your time with OFCOM (MUPPETS)-sorry that wasn't balanced- :lol: ,had a problem with someone using my Ham radio callsign and they were not bothered despite the verbal/foul abuse he was giving to everyone. Still at least i don't have to pay for the ticket anymore. :D  :D

[cardiff_gareth]

Had a reply back from ITV:

Mr Williams,

 

Many thanks for your email which has been passed on to me by our Duty Office.    

 

Firstly, thanks for taking the time to comment on the programme - we are always pleased to hear from viewers.      I am sorry that you thought the programme was biased.    Ã¢â‚¬Å“Driving Me Crazy” is a series of personal view programmes and the opinion expressed in each episode is that of its presenter, in this case, John Sergeant.   During this exploration we did present a balanced argument with interviews with the editor of 4x4 magazine and a representative from the Society of Motor Manufacturers, who put opposing points of views.  John also test drove a 4x4 and chatted to a sales representative to provide another side of the story.

 

As you have already made a complaint to Ofcom I’m afraid I can’t discuss the individual points made in your letter.    I do, however, hope that you continue to watch the rest of the series.  

 

Best wishes,

 

 

Yvonne Alexander

[richo]

We all know on here what the turth about 4x4s is and don't need the likes of itv giving there voice in such a one sided manner.
You might as well kick a dead horse than try and have a good debait about 4x4 on national telly.They will only ever show what is PC and keeps most of there viewers happy.

[BigSi]

So what acronym can we make with letters ITV?

How about, Irrational Towards Viewers!  :(bigsmile):