The dangerous consequence for the BBC of the Brand/Ross saga is that every joke that is slightly offensive or in someway risque is going to attract complaints and media interest. The 'complaining' lobby have got their teeth into the BBC, found they have an impact, and will now be out for further scalps.
For instance, today it is being reported that the BBC received nearly 200 comments about a joke made by Jeremy Clarkson on Sunday's Top Gear. As a result, Ofcom are looking into the programme.
Jeremy Clarkson has long found difficulty in people not understanding that his on screen persona is just that - a persona. It is meant to be a caricature. As a result, some of the things he says may appear to be insensitive or offensive to some people. But surely, that is the expectation you must have if you switch on a Jeremy Clarkson programme? Just the same as if you switch on a Marcus Brigstocke programme you expect him at some point to insult Jeremy Clarkson.
The comments made by Clarkson are in no way analogous to the awful stunt pulled by Brand and Ross. The BBC and Ofcom must be very careful that in all this media hyperbole, normal witty and comedic comments are not stifled. Talent such as Clarkson and programmes such as the wonderful Top Gear must not be reigned in...
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