Ofcom opens investigation into Channel 4’s Ukip: The First 100 Days after it sparked 5,262 complaints
Channel 4’s Ukip mockumentary will be investigated by Ofcom after the broadcast regulator was hit with more than 5,262 complaints.
The show, set in an alternative UK where Ukip leader Nigel Farage is the prime minister, weaved a harrowing narrative by intermixing real footage of Farage and Ukip supporters alongside scenes shot using actors.
Ofcom said it will be investigating whether the show caused harm and offence and whether it was impartial. Furthermore, Ofcom will judge whether the use of real Ukip footage will result in a breach of its supporters' privacy.
The 60 minute show, which aired on 16 February, has received 5,262 complaints from viewers to date.
An Ofcom spokesman said: “Ofcom has carefully assessed a number of complaints about UKIP: The First 100 Days on Channel 4. We are opening an investigation into the programme as it may raise issues under our rules on offensive material, misleadingness and due impartiality. We are also considering fairness and privacy complaints about the programme. ”
Additionally, a further 1,300 complaints were issued to Channel 4. Farage condemned the show on Twitter.
Look like #100DaysOfUKIP may well have backfired on Channel 4. A biased, partisan depiction of the only party that Believes in Britain.
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) February 16, 2015
In telling lies about UKIP, people are inciting thugs to attack our volunteers, such as this elderly lady: http://t.co/qelfZhqUnU
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) February 16, 2015
Following its broadcast, Ukip supporters were up in arms about the production's portrayal of the party so close to a general election.