Keys, Gray, Massey and Jackson

Massey

Very strange to see The Sun's approach to the Richard Keys/Andy Gray sexism debacle.

It's not quite sure whose side to be on, considering its outdated fondness for the Page 3 lady. It had no qualms in publishing alluring photos of the "female linesman" Sian Massey, and is appearing to have resisted the full photogenic possibilities that Andy-Gray-tucker-down-refuser Charlotte Jackson offers.

Anyway, to redress the sexist balance, here are the famously hairy Mr Keys and "balding pervert"* Mr Gray (both now available for work):

*The Sun's words, not mine!

Gray

Keys

GoogleWatch, 26 Jan 2010

1. "Andy Gray" -- About 663,000 results (0.15 seconds)
2. "Charlotte Jackson" -- About 445,000 results (0.15 seconds)
3. "Richard Keys" -- About 423,000 results (0.17 seconds)
4. "Sian Massey" -- About 153,000 results (0.14 seconds)
   

The X Factor: Making the worst sound even worse?

Watched ITV's seventh(!) series of The X Factor last night. I record it and fast-forward the annoying adverts and Louis Walsh.


Anyway, I'm sure I noticed a change from previous episodes. The singers heading home had poor quality karaoke backing tracks -- the approved singers had professional-sounding music.


Was this the individual choice of the "candidates" or a new Simon Cowell ploy to widen the quality gap?

UPDATE: Email response from ITV/Channel TV:


Thank you for your e-mail to ITV about this programme, it has been passed to us at Channel for a response as we look after it for the ITV Network – the programme is made by Talkback Thames, an independent production company.

The introduction of the live audience at auditions in 2009 meant that the process to incorporate the sound recorded on the day became more complicated.  Sound filtering technology is employed during post production but it is important to note that this does not unfairly reflect any performance.  The performances shown on-screen are a fair reflection of the performance given in the live arena.  The judges make their decisions based on these – quite simply, you can’t make a bad singer into a good singer with post production effects.


I hope this addresses your concerns, but if you would like to take the matter further you may wish to contact our regulators, Ofcom, either via their website www.ofcom.org.uk or by telephone to 020 7981 3000.


Thank you again for your feedback, it is very much appreciated, good or bad.  I have, of course, passed on your comments to Talkback Thames.


With all best wishes,


Xxxx