Every year Ofcom, UK's communication regulator, handles thousands of complaints from viewers upset by TV and radio content. Last year, TV moments like King Charles’ coronation and Sky News’ Breakfast with Kay Burley received many complaints. A total of 69,236 total complaints made in 2023.
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This year saw a slight dip in complaints comparatively. 69,080 complaints were filed across 9,065 cases in 2024, according to Ofcom’s official website. The top 10 most complained about programmes represented a staggering 61% of all complaints. BBC-related complaints weren’t included in the list as they’re addressed through the BBC’s process first.
Notably, just two programmes were responsible for nearly half of the total volume. Ofcom launched 43 investigations out of which 40 found rule breaches.
Here are the top 5 moments that enraged the viewers:
Julia Hartley-Brewer vs Dr Mustafa Barghouti (TalkTV, 3 January)
Complaints: 17,366
Kicking off the year with controversy, Julia Hartley-Brewer’s heated exchange with Dr Mustafa Barghouti on TalkTV received the most complaints in 2024. In early January, the two were discussing the Israel-Hamas war when Hartley-Brewer accused her guest of not letting her ‘finish a sentence,’ quipping, ‘maybe you’re not used to women talking.’ This remark was widely criticised for stereotyping and insensitivity.
Ofcom’s response? A reminder to TalkTV to ensure potentially offensive comments are justified within the editorial context, reports The Independent.
Zarah Sultana’s GMB interview (ITV’s Good Morning Britain, 5 August)
Complaints: 16,851
An explosive interview featuring Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper caused the second most controversial moment on TV this year. Sultana’s attempt to label the Southport riots as ‘Islamophobic and racist’ was interrupted repeatedly by co-host Ed Balls. These interruptions led to accusations of hostility against Balls. Adding fuel to the fire, viewers objected to the perceived bias due to Balls interviewing his wife, Cooper.
Ofcom’s investigation resulted in sending ITV a reminder to clarify such relationships and uphold impartiality standards.
Love Island Joey Essex drama (ITV2, 24 July)
Complaints: 1,832
ITV’s popular dating reality show received the third most number of complaints primarily concerning the behaviour of Joey Essex. The usual drama escalated when Joey and Sean Stone’s confrontational behaviour towards fellow islanders sparked viewer outrage. Fans were particularly offended by their treatment of the winning couple, Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan.
Ofcom concluded the confrontations weren’t glorified and contestants were shown resolving their differences.
XL Bully Debate Gone Wrong (ITV’s Good Morning Britain, 30 May)
Complaints: 1,777
This debate on whether XL bully dogs should be euthanised truly spiralled. The segment turned into a chaotic shouting match and panellists’ remarks were labelled ‘insensitive’ by viewers. Despite the chaos, Ofcom recognised that both sides of the argument were strongly represented, providing a balanced yet fiery discussion.
Emmerdale’s Disturbing Storyline (ITV1, 27-28 May)
Complaints: 1,193
ITV’s soap opera’s daring approach to storytelling crossed a line for some viewers. A storyline involving Tom King poisoning a dog as part of a coercive control narrative left animal lovers deeply upset. Despite complaints, Ofcom noted that the abuse wasn’t depicted graphically and fit within the soap’s history of tackling tough issues.
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Sources used:
Ofcom: TV’s most complained about programmes of 2024 officially revealed
The Independent: Ofcom reveals 2024’s most complained about TV controversies
