A campaigning group representing the Gypsies and Travellers is seeking a judicial review of an Ofcom ruling dismissing concerns about unfair racial stereotyping in Channel 4′ s Big Fat Gypsy Weddings.
The Traveller Movement claimed the TV censor treats powerful broadcasters more favourably than ordinary people. It is seeking a judicial review over Ofcom’s decision in November last year to dismiss complaints that Big Fat Gypsy Weddings and spin-off Thelma’s Gypsy Girls perpetuated racist stereotypes, broke regulations regarding consent to be filmed and reinforced misconceptions and prejudices towards the Gypsy and Traveller communities.
Ofcom’s ruling followed a year-long investigation, after receiving about 340 complaints about the show.
The Traveller Movement claimed Ofcom’s ruling was reached following a “flawed investigation”, with Channel 4 named as an “interested party” in the proceedings. It is also complaining that under Ofcom’s standards procedures only the broadcaster, in this case Channel 4, is allowed to see and challenge a draft report of the investigation findings.
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