#UKIP100Days: Channel 4 slammed for docudrama political ‘bias’
TV broadcaster Channel 4 has aired its “controversial” documentary 100 Days of UKIP, which imagines life in Britain under a Nigel Farage government.
The “ground-breaking” documentary, which received over 20 complaints before it even aired on Monday night, was branded “biased” and “partisan” by the UKIP leader.
The provocative show, described as a “mockumentary,” sparked intense debates on social media before, after and during the broadcast.
The short film depicts UKIP winning a slim majority in May’s general election, resulting in Britain’s economic and civil collapses three months later.
The “what if” drama contains an assortment of actual news footage, including RT reports, and acted scenes.
It suggests a UKIP government would quickly lead to strikes and race riots in Britain.
It illustrates an exodus of businesses as a result of Britain leaving the EU, causing mass unemployment. The “mockumentary” also depicts “un-British, aggressive and brutal” immigration raids, as the government cracks down on illegal migration.
This is how I imagine a UKIP Britain would look like. #UKIP100Dayspic.twitter.com/R9c29X4RuN
— J. Ali (@junayed_) February 16, 2015
The docudrama follows the story of a fictional UKIP MP, Deepa Kaur, who early on is seen smoking in a pub during a meeting with journalists, suggesting the smoking ban would be lifted if UKIP came to power.
Media watchdog Ofcom confirmed it had received “objections” to the program, as viewers accused the creators of being “politically biased.”
Ofcom said it had received nearly 1,000 complaints, making it one of the most “controversial” one-off shows in years.
Channel 4 has been accused of “attacking” the political party with “biased” portrayals in the lead-up to May’s general election.
The broadcaster’s head of documentaries, Nick Mirsky, said the drama showed UKIP to be having “a bit of a bumpy ride.”
Mirsky argues the drama was “fair” and that the timing was “not an issue.”
He said “the film did not have to be politically balanced,” as it was being shown outside the election campaign period.
“Our job is to reflect and explore contemporary British life. Nothing represents what’s different and unique in British political life now more than the rise of UKIP,” he said.
“This might be what you wake up to after May 7,” he added.
#QuestionMore: Did you watch the #UKIP100Days documentary last night? Tell us what YOU thought about it - tweet us! pic.twitter.com/pCEZ7ll1mN
— RT UK (@RTUKnews) February 17, 2015
Many on social media have criticized Channel 4 for their “biased representations” of the political party.
A Twitter user accused the broadcaster of being a “sicker version of the BBC.”
Does anyone out there actually watch Channel 4? I don't anyone who watches it. It's always been a sicker version of BBC. #UKIP100Days
— Alexander Nekrassov (@StirringTrouble) February 16, 2015
@RTUKnews Absoluetly disgusting! Shouldn't have been allowed to air so close to a General Election, #LeftWingPropaganda#FundedByTheEu
— Prince Trojan (@WezItIs) February 17, 2015
@RTUKnews I AVOID watching Propaganda CH4. Disgusting, uninformed (at all levels) propaganda machine. Should loose broadcasting licence!
— Basil Assimakopoulos (@Basil2744) February 17, 2015
@RTUKnews Joke of a show, shame @Channel4 never made one on Labour and them covering up the Muslims rape gangs in Rotherham.
— A Betting Man (@A_Betting_Man) February 17, 2015
“Amateurish fifth form propaganda from Channel 4. They’ve lost a bit of credibility tonight,” another Twitter user said.
A Twitter user told RT he “avoids watching propaganda CH4,” he branded them as “disgusting and uninformed (at all levels)” and suggests they should “lose their broadcasting license.”
@RTUKnews an element of truth in what can happen should UKIP get an iota of power.
— Connor G (@ConnorGordonnn) February 17, 2015
Another Twitter user told RT he believes the film had “an element of truth of what can happen” if UKIP win in May.
A UKIP supporter told RT she is thankful for the film as it is “keeping UKIP in the media eye.”
@RTUKnews thanks @Channel4 for the boost and keeping us in the media eye. #loveukip#voteukip the show was shit btw.
— Tottenham dave (@daveyboyfreak) February 17, 2015
Also speaking to RT, a non-UKIP supporter called the film “unfair and biased anti-UKIP propaganda,” and questioned whether Channel 4 would demonize other political parties.
This tweet echoed the sentiments of the film: “We fear for an uncomfortable and racist UKIP future,” they said.
