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Leaving a gap on the sofa

Posted in Media, Branwell Johnson, Latest reporters' blogs November 2nd, 2007 by Branwell Johnson

So farewell Richard and Judy, for now… the pair’s tenure at Channel 4’s flagship daytime programme slot will end next year. And without a clear statement as to why, let the speculation begin…

Richard and Judy were a coup for Channel 4 and brought a loyal audience with them from ITV’s This Morning but the show has not always been a paragon of virtue in following marketing regulations.

Not only was the show one of the first to be dragged through the mire for abuse of interactive phone lines in competitions but it has been rapped in the past by Ofcom for undue brand prominence in competitions and topics. In August 2005 the broadcaster was fined £5,000 for heavily plugging Red Bull

There’s no suggestion Richard and Judy themselves ever colluded or endorsed the behaviour that has caused problems but maybe they are beginning to find the mainstream commercial sector becoming a more bruising and less comforting home than it once was.

There’s also Channel 4’s viewpoint to consider. Are Richard and Judy victims of director of television and content Kevin Lygo’s declared aim earlier this year to look for “the new and exciting”?

Lygo’s statement was mainly interpreted as a ditching of the myriad reality TV shows such as Brat Camp but maybe he was also hinting that he was looking at his daytime presenters and line up.

Or maybe Richard and Judy have just had a better offer or have some ideas of their own to pursue. Whatever the reason for the parting, it’s going to leave Lygo looking behind the sofa for a replacement show.

To read the news story related to this blog, go to mad.co.uk