Channel 4 submits to Big Brother hangover

London, Feb 2 (UNI) Following the racism row over Shilpa Shetty in 'Celebrity Big Brother', Channel 4 is to shelve a season of controversial programmes.

Concerns were raised at board level over the late-night series, which was due to be screened next month and included a documentary on Britain's first 'masturbatathon'.

A show in which a vicar is taught sexual techniques in Amsterdam and filmed losing his virginity is also expected to be cancelled.

Executives at Channel 4 have decided that it must not cause gratuitous offence so soon after the allegations of racist bullying in Celebrity Big Brother, which provoked nearly 50,000 complaints.

Ofcom, the media regulator, is investigating the affair. It is also reviewing Channel 4's funding, the reason for an internal examination of the schedules.

The cancelled season was announced by commissioners as ''exactly the type of provocative and mischievous programming that Channel 4 should be covering in the 11 pm slot''.

UNI