Now, in anticipation of a barrage of people cracking the good old "Will likes politics" joke, I must insist that it is merely a hobby and definitely not my way to destroy all of your lives (actual Labour member btw).

Not many people watch Channel 4 anymore, or even TV in general. Some have attributed it to streaming, which in itself is true but definitely not the main reason. Others say it's their branding, their pivot to reality or maybe, the whole fervour of alternative broadcaster has just worn off. And whilst all of those reasons play a part, there's one that I think doesn't really come up that often, a reason I think plays a big part. Is Channel 4 becoming too political? Now, even with the UK's rules on impartiality, practically the whole country knows where Channel 4 stands on socio-economic issues in the UK; they're left wing. Very left wing. I assumed they always had been, given their commitment to challenging the status quo and whatnot. But after thinking about it, and comparing New 4 to Old 4, there's a pretty distinct shift in how they address said socio-economic issues.

Back in the day, Channel 4 was still remarkably left wing on a majority of issues, giving a more progressive perspective on issues like racism and homophobia, as well as economic problems like welfare and unemployment. However, despite being sympathetic towards these issues, they also weren't afraid to exploit them in any which way possible. Shows like Benefit Street, implying that the people who lived on James Turner St. were all druggies and alcoholics, all benefit cheats and aloof, whilst also, brilliantly, showing the devastating impact of austerity on the country and how it affected Britain's most vulnerable. Managing to present two sides of the story, at the same time, whilst also making it entertaining, and instilling emotion into those who tuned in. Like remorse, sympathy, and most of all...anger. Channel 4 used to thrive from anger, giving absolutely no fucks about what the public said, even going as far as to renew Benefit Street for a second series. This was only eleven years ago, when Channel 4 ferociously protected and stuck to it's remit.

Nowadays, you'd might as well chuck Channel 4's remit on the log fire as that's not what they're doing anymore. My opinion is that Channel 4 is now scared of offending people, eventually transforming into just another UK broadcaster. The corporation which once challenged the status quo, gave a deep dive into issues the BBC or ITV wouldn't or couldn't do properly, and gave absolutely zero fucks about the backlash they got, deliberately provoking anger towards them from the gammon-brains they so hate, is for some reason, gone. Channel 4 is still broadly left-wing, however I think, as society has changed, the definitions of the left have changed with it, and it's something Channel 4 has failed to adapt to.

Something I wanted to bring up is a programme Channel 4 recently aired, called "Go Back To Where You Came From". The premise was brilliant; find out why so many people are entering the UK. However, the execution tempers my compliments a bit. In my opinion, it seemed like a deliberate attempt to change those people's opinions, and it worked. I'm very much pro-immigration, however I'm also pro-independent thoughts, so long as people accept that their opinions will be judged and challenged. 2014 Channel 4 would not have tried to manipulate people's opinions like that. I disagree with them, I think immigration is a gift to this country and others around the world, however they are entitled to hold their opinions nonetheless, just as much as I am. Don't get me wrong, I love watching racists get absolutely stunned into silence on national television, it really spits in the face of people who spread hate about those who have heavily improved our country. But, again, people can hold their own opinions.

What I'm trying to say is, the corporation which once gave no fucks, might give way too many now. They're not making risky or provocative content anymore, programmes that you could only find on Channel 4. The old formula, to make as many gammons steam with rage as possible, to take the piss out of the Daily Mail and it's readerbase, to generate views and ultimately, money, was picture perfect. I don't know who at what department got hit in the head and decided the new formula was a good idea, but someone take em down t'ospital because they need to be fixed. It only really seems to work on the news, which is about the only thing worth watching on Channel 4 now.

That's my two pence, follow me on MySpace or whatever the fuck.