Show sparks row over why a public sector broadcaster is revelling in ‘sexploitation’
A NEW Channel 4 reality show in which couples consider abandoning monogamy has been condemned by a former Cabinet minister as “sexploitation” and fuelled calls for the controversial public service broadcaster to be privatised or even abolished.
A sex therapist involved in the creation of Open House: The Great Sex Experiment admits that Mary Whitehouse would have been “absolutely horrified” by it.
In the first episode this Friday, Welsh couple Maddy and Nathan are interested in bringing another woman into their relationship.
The programme has appalled pro-family campaigners and comes as the Government considers whether to privatise the publicly owned but commercially funded broadcaster.
According to Channel 4: “Assisted by sex therapists and relationship coaches, the couples will embark on a series of intimate challenges to road-test if the idea of having sex with other people is at odds with maintaining a committed relationship.”
Former Brexit minister and exwelsh Secretary David Jones said: “Channel 4 has been pursuing a vigorous campaign against the Government’s proposals for its future and to maintain the status quo.
“This programme illustrates very well why so many people think it needs to be changed. It’s nothing more than a return to 1970s-style sexploitation, appealing to the prurient and serving a lowest common denominator audience.
“Channel 4 needs urgent reform, otherwise it should be abolished.”
Sex therapist Lori Beth Bisbey, who “collaborated” on the programme, described it as a “reality show, not a documentary”.
Asked what former TV campaigner Mary Whitehouse would have thought of it, she said: “She would have been horrified. Absolutely horrified.”
The setting features a hot-tub, “intimacy” games and a party atmosphere.
Dr Bisbey acknowledged there are a “lot of people who think this is against nature, and against God”.
She said: “Having an open relationship is less high-risk to a couple than having affairs. It’s not the sex that causes the issues, it’s the lying and deceit.”
Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, who says privatising Channel 4 is a “good idea”, was unimpressed by what maker Firecracker Films describes as a “social experiment”.
He said: “There is a lot of mumbo jumbo about choices in relationships, which is there to excuse the obvious intention of using sex to push the ratings.”
Harry Benson, research director of the Marriage Foundation, said: “It doesn’t sound at all shocking to me. It’s just stupid and comes from a long line of stupid Channel 4 programmes that try to challenge family norms.
“The boring reality is that most people want reliable love, commitment and mutual sacrifice and most people get that through the act of marriage.”
Ciarán Kelly, of the Christian Institute, said: “Every time you think a state-owned broadcaster can sink no lower, they seem to find a way.you wouldn’t have to be
Mary Whitehouse to be horrified at this latest reckless assault on monogamy.”
Shipley Conservative MP Philip Davies voiced his support for privatisation, saying: “I have no idea why on earth the state continues to own a left-wing broadcaster.”
A Government spokesman said: “No decisions on Channel 4 have been made. We are carefully considering all the views and evidence received through the consultation.”
A Channel 4 spokeswoman said: “The series features participants who are exploring the strength of relationships, and everyone featured gave their full consent to take part. Support was provided.”