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Channel 4 disability consultant Ally Castle explains the thinking behind the controversial name
There has been much discussion on social media and in the mainstream press about the title of a Channel 4 documentary in which comedian Rosie Jones tells her personal story of online and real-world ableism and abuse. It has been widely – and correctly – reported that the broadcaster’s inclusion of an upsetting ableist slur in the name of the film was “carefully considered in conversations with the editorial team, Rosie and a disability consultant”.
I am that disability consultant. I am disabled and I have worked in TV for over 20 years. Throughout my career, fair and authentic representation of disabled people behind the camera, on the screen and in the audience at home has been my passionate commitment.
The backlash against the title of the documentary has largely been directed at Rosie, for understandable reasons. Next in the firing line has been the faceless “they” of Channel 4. But Rosie was not alone in being a disabled person who, after a great deal of thought and discussion, a few tears and moments of anger, agreed with shining a spotlight on that particular word in this very particular context.
And Channel 4 is not just an amorphous brand or organisation; it’s made up of human beings who have to make sometimes difficult – even impossible – human judgements about the best way to tell stories so they have meaning and impact. Including how to title them to reflect the topic, tone and purpose of their content in just a handful of words. It’s a delicate, difficult balance.
We discussed other titles, of course we did. But Channel 4 owes its very existence to the distinctive remit to champion unheard voices, to take bold creative risks and to inspire change in...