Madam, - Hilary Fannin, in her review of the BBC programme Jerry Springer - The Opera (Weekend Review, January 15th), describes the objections to the televising of the show in terms of "the rattle of teacups and the outrage of some radical Christian groups".
However, the objections to the screening of the programme did not come just from some easily shockable Christians and highly conservative fringe elements in the Church, but also from mainstream sources.
The Church of England's broadcasting spokesperson, Bishop Nigel McCulloch, has been reported as taking the matter up with both the BBC and the broadcasting regulator in the UK, Ofcom. The Archbishop of York said the programme pushed the boundaries of taste and decency too far. Furthermore, one BBC producer has resigned because he found the show "far, far worse" than he had feared. He referred to an "overwehelming" level of protest.
It is a pity that Ms Fannin did not even consider the issues of blasphemy and offensiveness to religious people. To her, apparently, these are unimportant matters. If that is her view, she is much mistaken.
Finally, Ms Fannin says we should save the "outrage" for the exploitation of Jerry Springer's real-life participants. However, one does not have to choose between the two issues - offensiveness in the programme and the exploitation of vulnerable people. I object to both. - Yours, etc.,
Canon IAN M. ELLIS, King Street, Newcastle, Co Down.