On 2 May 2007, at 16:24, Channel4 VE Support wrote:
Dear Mr Floordata,
Thank you for your comments regarding EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND.
As you can imagine, the scheduling of our programmes is one of the most difficult tasks we undertake as our viewers all lead different lifestyles and, therefore, would wish to watch television at different times. We, therefore, do our best to assess a programme's content and judge from our experience the most suitable time for transmission. Decisions on programme schedules will vary according to several factors, which include adhering to Channel 4's remit, which stipulates that we must cater for tastes, interests and audiences not served by ITV (or other television channels.) Channel 4 aims to do this not only through content, but also providing an alternative schedule.
There are, of course, certain rules laid down for us by the Office Of Communications (OFCOM) within which we have to work. For example, we take a certain amount of responsibility for children viewing before 9.00pm and schedule programmes accordingly - after 9.00pm this responsibility is passed to parents/guardians.
We apologise if the scheduling of this particular programme is not convenient for your own viewing, but do hope you will understand how difficult this task really is.
We would like to thank you once again for taking the time and trouble to write to us here at Channel 4. Our viewers' comments are always welcomed, critical or otherwise.
Yours sincerely
Regards,
Jessicka Burton
Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries
Please read our Terms and Conditions at http://www.channel4.com/terms_and_conditions.html
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Dear Jessicka (sic),
Thank you for your reply to my query regarding the morning Channel 4 schedule.
Now, a couple of points.
I take on board Channel 4's remit that you try to cater for tastes not served by ITV - you're talking GMTV aren't you Jessicka (sic)? However GMTV has a strong cult following from students (in the same way that Countdown does) and surely these are exactly the same layabouts that would watch PopGay, presently being broadcast at 7am-7.30am? Therefore the aforementioned stipulations of the Channel 4 remit are not being fulfilled to completion Jessicka (sic)? By moving PopGay to 9.am it would be competing against the daytime nonsense ITV insist on broadcasting - and more suitable for the idle youth it has been made for.
Secondly, by adhering to OFCOM rules you must cater for small children who would be exactly the kind of viewers that would be watching at 7am. Traditionally children enjoy listening to music, but they prefer the more idiotic music such as The TellyTubbies, The Wombles etc. I wouldn't want a child of mine watching PopGay - and I suspect, Jessicka (sic) neither would you.
Therefore, I ask you to reconsider my proposed schedule, as follows:
7am - Friends
7.30am - Everybody Loves Raymond
8am - Friends (repeat from 7am)
8.30am - Everybody Loves Raymond (repeat from 7.30am)
9.00am - PopGay
Kind Regards,
Mr C Floordata
On 3 May 2007, at 16:51, Channel4 VE Support wrote:
Dear Chris,
Thank you for contacting Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries.
We were sorry to read that you are unhappy with our previous responses to your comments concerning our morning line up.
We do feel that we have clearly stated Channel 4's position and that we have done our best to assist you. Therefore, we regret that we are unable to enter into any further correspondence on this subject.
Again, we do thank you for taking the time to write to us.
Regards,
Sam Bradford
Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries
Please read our Terms and Conditions at http://www.channel4.com/terms_and_conditions.html
We've updated our website! Check out our new help section and FAQs for all the things you've always wanted to know about our channels.
http://www.channel4.com/help
Dear Jessicka, (sic)
I was not unhappy with your previous responses - au contraire - I was delighted that you took the time to personally answer my queries.
However, I would still very much like you to forward my proposed schedule to the relevant department as I feel that it would benefit both the viewers and Channel 4.
Again, and I quote from my previous email, I suggest the following morning line-up:
7am - Friends
7.30am - Everybody Loves Raymond
8am - Friends (repeat from 7am)
8.30am - Everybody Loves Raymond (repeat from 7.30am)
9.00am - PopGay
Apropos my morning schedule, I would appreciate if you could forward any comments that your editorial team may have.
Best, as always,
Chris
On 5 May 2007, at 10:30, Channel4 VE Support wrote:
Dear Chris,
Thank you for contacting Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries.
Be assured that your suggestions regarding scheduling will be distributed throughout Channel 4.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact us here at Channel 4, we hope you continue to enjoy our programming.
Regards,
Jessicka Burton
Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries
Please read our Terms and Conditions at http://www.channel4.com/terms_and_conditions.html
We've updated our website! Check out our new help section and FAQs for all the things you've always wanted to know about our channels.
http://www.channel4.com/help
Dear Jessicka (sic),
Once again, I thank you for your time in responding to my suggestion for the new Channel 4 morning schedule.
You mention that you will be distributing my suggestions throughout Channel 4, but could I ask for a quick amendment before you do so.
You see, I was a little late for work this morning, due to an excellent episode of Everybody Loves Raymond (the one where his mother-in-law comes round - with hilarious consequences) - I confess I remained at-stool a little longer than I should have - due to the strong acting and excellent script, and this delayed me to the tune of five minutes.
Therefore I would like to alter my previous schedule. Do not - REPEAT DO NOT - distribute my previous schedule throughout Channel 4.
Use this one instead:
6.45am - Friends
7.15am - Everybody Loves Raymond
7.45am - Friends (repeat from 6.45am)
8.15am - Everybody Loves Raymond (repeat from 7.15am)
8.45am - PopGay
I prefer this schedule as it also gives you the option of putting on Just Shoot Me at 9.15am - by which time I will be long gone and it is of no concern to me.
As always,
Chris
On 8 May 2007, at 11:09, Channel4 VE Support wrote:
Dear Chris,
Thank you for contacting Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries.
Please be assured your comments have been noted and logged. The log is distributed throughout Channel 4.
We appreciate Channel4 viewers contacting us regarding this matter.
Thank you for the interest in our programming.
Regards,
Eve Moffat
Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries
Please read our Terms and Conditions at http://www.channel4.com/terms_and_conditions.html
We've updated our website! Check out our new help section and FAQs for all the things you've always wanted to know about our channels.
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Dear Eve,
Pleased to meet you.
Myself and Jessicka (sic) have been in discussion about the morning schedule, and I'm glad to have you on board vis-a-vis the debate.
I look forward to you distributing my log all around Channel 4.
Just as an aside - I have come up with a little idea that could revolutionise morning television.
As I explained to Jessicka (sic), the problem with the present schedule is invariably the fact that I watch Everybody Loves Raymond while 'at stool'. If the episode is particularly funny (as was the case this morning), I remain seated a little too long and am sometimes late for work (as was also the case this morning)
However, see what you think of this little nugget...
Howabout you have a little icon of a man sitting on the toilet, reading a newspaper in the bottom right corner of the screen (rather like the sign-language folk you have)
About five minutes before the programme is about to end, the little man puts down the newspaper and stands up. This will give an indication that people should start getting ready for work.
What do you think? I'm not sure of the technology required, but I'm sure it's well within the capabilities of Channel 4.
Please also pass this idea onto Jessicka who has been keenly following my ideas.
Thanks,
Chris
On 8 May 2007, at 12:39, Channel4 VE Support wrote:
Dear Chris,
Thank you again for contacting Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries regarding the morning schedule on Channel 4.
Be assured that your suggestions have been logged and wll be distributed throughout Channel 4.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact us here at Channel 4, we hope you continue to enjoy our programming.
Regards,
Jessicka Burton
Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries
Please read our Terms and Conditions at http://www.channel4.com/terms_and_conditions.html
We've updated our website! Check out our new help section and FAQs for all the things you've always wanted to know about our channels.
http://www.channel4.com/help
Hi Jessicka (sic),
Did Eve pass on my last email to you? Just in case she didn't, I came up with a fantastic idea (technology permitting) whereby a little man sits on a toilet (on the bottom right of the screen) for the duration of Everybody Loves Raymond. Five minutes before the end of the show, he stands up - indicating that any viewers should also do the same in case they are late for work.
You mention that my log will be distributed throughout Channel 4 - but will the little 'toilet-man' idea also be circulated?
To be honest Jessicka (sic), I'd rather that this idea was kept between you, me and Eve. It's still in the planning process at the moment and, to be honest, I don't even know if the technology to do such a thing has yet been invented.
However, please inform everyone of my earlier idea vis-a-vis scheduling. As you may recall my plan is as follows:
6.45am Friends
7.15am Everybody Loves Raymond
7.45am Friends (repeat from 6.45am)
8.15am Everybody Loves Raymond (repeat from 7.15am)
8.45am PopGay
It might also be an idea to use the 'toilet-man' on the earlier 6.45am and 7.15am episodes of Friends and Everybody Loves Raymond - then replace him on the later episodes with a little man having a shave. Five minutes before the end of the show he could be seen running after a bus (symbolising the fact that if you are still watching the show, you should phone your boss to say that you will be late)
Regards,
Chris
Jessicka (sic)!
I've just come up with another good idea!
You know the little man on the toilet we were talking about? Well, I was thinking...When he stands up (you know - five minutes before the show ends - remember?) - well, to make sure that viewers don't miss anything, you should add a flashing banner that reads 'NOW EMPTY'
I think, with this amendment I am now ready for you and Eve to put this idea forward to the bosses at Channel 4. If you want to take all the credit, that's fine. I'm rich already - do you see?
Thanks,
Chris
On 8 May 2007, at 14:40, Channel4 VE Support wrote:
Dear Chris,
Thank you for contacting Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries.
Your previous programme suggestions have been logged and distributed throughout Channel 4.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact us here at Channel 4, we hope you continue to enjoy our programming.
Regards,
Jessicka Burton
Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries
Please read our Terms and Conditions at http://www.channel4.com/terms_and_conditions.html
We've updated our website! Check out our new help section and FAQs for all the things you've always wanted to know about our channels.
http://www.channel4.com/help
Hi Jessicka(sic),
Thanks - as always - for distributing my logs around Channel 4.
Hey. You know that idea I had for the toilet-man - remember? The flashing banner saying 'NOW EMPTY'?
Well, I think that you should try to reflect Channel 4's diverse audience by sometimes replacing the toilet-man with a transvestite putting on stockings, a frock, make-up and finally high heels - the five minute warning could be when he has a shave and prods his testes into the warmth of his abdomen (accompanied by a flashing banner saying 'NOW FEMININE')
The ideas and opportunities are limitless.
Could you find out if the technology to do this has yet been invented and I'll get to work my end.
Thanks,
Chris
