These reports are case summaries of complaints which appeared to raise issues of substance in relation to the interpretation of the ITC Programme Code. Summary statistics of non-substantive complaints can be found in the full reports which are obtainable from the ITC.
Showing Complaints & Interventions Report for CORONATION STREET
Channel: ITV1 (Granada)
Date & time: Monday 13 January: 7.30pm and 8.30pm
Category: Violence
Complaint from: 41 viewers
Background
In the first episode at 7.30pm, the murderer Richard Hillman attacked his next victim Emily Bishop. Maxine Peacock interrupted him as she returned to check up on her baby. In the second episode, half-an-hour later, Maxine lay dead and was found by her husband Ashley.
Issue
Viewers were concerned at the violence in these episodes and believed they were too upsetting for family viewing.
Assessment
The ITC appreciated that some viewers do not enjoy violent themes in this 'soap' as they watch it in a family environment. However, most viewers would have been aware of the developing storyline as it had received widespread publicity, on and off screen. An announcement before both episodes also alerted viewers to Richard's activities. The ITC believed this gave parents a good indication of what to expect and so make an informed decision of whether to watch with their children.
The violent scenes were carefully handled not to show Hillman hitting his victims. There were brief shots of Emily's injuries, which were not graphic. On finding Maxine, her husband understandably went into shock and cradled her head, which resulted in his shirt being covered in blood. The ITC considered that suitable restraint was shown in the filming of the actual attacks. The aftermath was more prolonged, but given the nature of these horrific crimes, Ashley's reaction and appearance by this stage would not have taken most viewers by surprise.
Conclusion
The ITC concluded that these episodes were not in breach of the ITC Programme Code.
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