Political correctness annoys TV programme participant

A man who refers to himself as "not of the same height as everyone else", was highly offended when the Broadcasting Authority referred to him as "disabled" in its written complaint about a programme on TVM.

The weekly programme, ironically named Ħadd Għalik (which is a pun on taking offence), sees two teams of four going against each other in various fun games to see who emerges victorious. The teams are categorised in "types", such as "blondes vs brunettes", "heterosexual vs gay" and, in this case "ugly vs beautiful".

The man, who was described during the hearing as a "dwarf" but who takes offence at such a term, voluntarily opted to be part of the ugly team and was joined by curly-haired comedian Joe Demicoli and two others.

The BA chief executive officer, Pierre Cassar, who is in charge of issuing complaints, argued that the programme seemed to be saying that because the man was short, he was ugly. However, he admitted no public complaints had been made.

"I do not think I am ugly. I just did it to have a laugh with my friends and I got lots of positive feedback. But I definitely do not feel disabled. I can do the same things as everyone else. And, if I am ugly, it is not because I am short," he said.

The case was heard yesterday afternoon at the authority's offices but the man was not allowed to speak because, on principle, the BA only listens to those responsible for the programme, namely the producer and the station manager.

During the hearing, all did their best to be politically correct. The BA members repeatedly used the word "disabled". At one point, the chairman read out guidelines on how television programmes should deal with issues of disability.

One of the members actually said the term "people with disabilities" was not used much anymore and should be replaced by "people with differences".

The BA argued that his portrayal during the programme could have offended other people "with his condition".

They also felt there was an emphasis on his height, prompting presenter and producer Angie Laus to say the programme was not a serious one and was based on people being able to accept themselves as they were and laugh about it.

She added that as someone who happened to be very short herself, she had had her fair share of "short jokes" but, just as they did not upset the man in question, they did not upset her either.

But even though the man enjoyed the programme and never felt offended or ridiculed, the BA said their role went beyond seeing what participants thought of the programmes.

They mentioned the case of Family TV where children were roped into a controversial candid camera programme, which was organised by their parents.

"What is the alternative? Telling him he cannot participate in the programme because people will be offended that he calls himself ugly? Or putting him with those who think they are beautiful," Ms Laus asked.

The case is yet to be decided.