Film & TV Database

Television's treatment of science. Viewer Graham Marsden is one of many viewers who complained about DISPATCHES: VIDEO NASTIES (on violent video games), was the evidence all it appears. Felt that the programme lack scientific rigour and the handling of the science was questionable. Comment from Dr Guy Cumberbatch (Chartered Psychologist and specialist in media research. Reply Joe Layburn (Presenter, DISPATCHES). The Right to Reply 500, internet survey group, where asked [if they felt there was a genuine] Link with violence'? 57% said 'yes', 43% said 'no' If there was a link should there be a Ban? 35% said 'yes', 65% said 'no'. Genetically Modified Foods Viewer Christopher Draper felt EQUINOX's THE RISE AND FALL OF GM that the arguments were not given an equal basis and this was 'propaganda by stealth'. Ten pro-GM scientists were given a platform (with only one scientist questioned GM foods). Comment Dr Jeremy Sweet (Research Scientist, National Institute of Agricultural Botany). Followed by discussion with Martin Durkin (Producer, THE RISE AND FALL OF GM), Charles Furneaux (Editor, Science, Channel 4) and CD. Viewer Chris Rolph felt the BBC series APE MAN was a 'triumph of flashy style over science'. Amongst other things, using over-dramatic scientifically inaccurate reconstructions of events. Comment Prof Roin Dunbar (Dept. of Biology, University of Liverpool), Dr Fred Spoor (Evolutionary Anatomy Unit, University College London). Reply John Lynch (Executive Producer, APE MAN). Viewer Ian Farrar felt the FILMS OF FIRE: PUPPY LOVE ignored the cruelty towards dogs in Korea (where the presenter ate a dog). Comment Mike Baker (UK Director, International Fund for Animal Welfare (FAW)). Reply Waldemar Januszczak (Presenter, PUPPY LOVE).