Originally Posted by MattW82

This whole saga is a complete joke. The media have whipped it up into a complete frenzy when really, it wasn't that big a deal at all. It was prank that simply went too far. It wasn't malicious in nature yet the fallout from it would make it seem like the most horrendous thing ever to have occured. It isn't.

The fact that only 2 complaints were received when the show was aired, and they were on the grounds of language, not content, speaks volumes. The only reason that so many complaints have now come forward is that there are lots of people who don't like Ross and/or Brand who fancy jumping on the bandwagon.

Regarding action taken towards the pair now, the BBC have to be seen to be doing something hence the suspension. Brand resigning has stopped BBC having to consider his position any further, though I doubt they'd have sacked him. I'd also be extremely surprised were they to go farther and sack Ross though as he's just too big a draw for the channel. If they did sack him he'd just turn up on ITV or another channel and they'd lose out in the ratings anyway.

All in all the reaction to the whole affair has been completely pathetic and the sooner it's over and done with, suspensions fully served etc the better.

Originally Posted by Flutterby

The fact that there were so many complaints by people who didn't hear the show is perfectly understandable given that everyone in the UK has to pay £150 a year in licence fees to fund their shows amongst other content. We don't have any choice about paying the fee so why should people not be able to complain, if they feel it is warranted, even if they didn't hear it when it was first broadcast?

Originally Posted by Hutch

Because it's the same sanctomonious, pot-boiling, finger-wagging, 'dear the bbc', 'outraged of Pinner' indignation that fuels publications like the Daily Mail.

Originally Posted by Sparky wife

Right...will make this brief...

Can't stand Ross, I don't think he is at all funny and can't understand how he has kept going for so long. Get rid of the rubbish I reckon!!

Brand, haven't heard that much of him, but what I have heard I don't find remotely funny either. He was right to resign.

However, have heard his apology, which I interpreted him as saying: I don't think I should be apologizing but have to cause I've been told to.

Why oh why wasn't Chris Moyles involved with it too??!! I would love to see him go too.

Together, they were like two teenage boys. Both should know better.

Right...off the soap box!!!

Originally Posted by Fleaflyfloflum

Unless of course its some sanctimonious, pot boiling, finger wagging cause YOU deem important eh?

Originally Posted by moneypen20

Any chance this thread could stay on topic and not descend into name calling petty squabbling?

Originally Posted by Hutch

Yea, because god forbid we feel outrage at something that's actually, like important, something that has an impact on all our lives, when we can all get high and mighty and expound our moral outrage over a dumb radio prank.

Originally Posted by Fleaflyfloflum

Since when are you the one who dictates what is important in society?

The whole underlying point of all this flies straight over your head.

Originally Posted by moneypen20

Absolutely. Hope no one ever plays a practical joke that falls flat, or prank calls, or even plays knock down ginger. Looks like you'll get strung up for it.

Originally Posted by Hutch

So. Let me get this straight. You think that leaving a message on a bloke's answering machine that says, "I shagged your grand-daughter" is worth the same moral outrage as, say a child-killer?

Originally Posted by Hutch

So. Let me get this straight. You think that leaving a message on a bloke's answering machine that says, "I shagged your grand-daughter" is worth the same moral outrage as, say a child-killer?

Originally Posted by Fleaflyfloflum

Nope, why would I think that?

Originally Posted by rabsody

You're talking about civil liberties over on your other thread. Surely it's a civil liberty not to get abused and nationally humiliated on live radio by two guys you don't even know referring to having sex with your granddaughter and laughing about you commiting suicide?

Originally Posted by rabsody

You're talking about civil liberties over on your other thread. Surely it's a civil liberty not to get abused and nationally humiliated on live radio by two guys you don't even know referring to having sex with your granddaughter and laughing about you commiting suicide?