Top TV turn-offs

Channel 4 is the most complained about British terrestrial TV channel, new figures from media regulator Ofcom show.

Eight of the top 20 programmes to have offended viewers in the past year were screened by the broadcaster, with reality series such as Big Brother and stunt shows like Derren Brown and Balls Of Steel leading the way.

A close second is ITV, which screened six of the 20 most complained about programmes, with increasing domestic violence, sexual content and offensive language on Coronation Street and Emmerdale provoking most concern.

Pressure group Mediawatch today said the high tally of complaints was evidence of "dumbing down" by both broadcasters. Spokesman David Turtle said low-budget reality programmes like Big Brother "highlight bad language, violence and a constant diet of bad behaviour.

"When even the BBC is cutting back on reality shows Channel 4 seems intent on putting out more of the same, but the net result is they are alienating and upsetting their viewers.

"Even family shows like Emmerdale and Coronation Street are churning out sensationalist plotlines with ever-increasing violence and sexual behaviour. They have dumbed down and as a result are offending more of their audience."

The sixth Big Brother series was the biggest offender, with nearly 1,200 complaints to Ofcom as well as those who called Channel 4. Contestant Kinga apparently performed a sex act with a bottle and housemates Makosi and Anthony seemingly had sex in the pool. After investigation, however, Ofcom did not uphold any complaint.

Celebrity Big Brother, which famously featured the bullying antics of Pete Burns and George Galloway earlier this year, was the third most complained-about show. Balls Of Steel saw people apparently doused in vomit and "happy slapped", prompting fears of copycat incidents.

BBC2 and Channel Five escaped the top 20, but Ofcom criticised BBC1 for Live8 coverage that offended with onstage swearing by acts including Madonna.

A Channel 4 spokeswoman said: "An important part of Channel 4's job is to push boundaries in TV. While we operate within the guidelines set by our regulator, we are bound to provoke a strong response and stimulate debate among viewers."

ITV said its programmes "strictly adhere" to Ofcom's regulatory guidelines.