Apprentice culled for spring poll

22/07/2009

The Apprentice could miss its prime slot on the Beeb's spring schedule next year after telly watchdogs ruled it must not clash with a general election.

The BBC Trust warned that Sir Alan Sugar's new role as Labour's enterprise tsar means the blockbuster show can not be broadcast in the run-up to the poll, predicted for June 3.

The Trust warned that it could be seen as giving unfair publicity to the Labour Party.

Chairman Sir Michael Lyons said: "The Trust is clear that when scheduling next year's transmission of The Apprentice the Executive must give due consideration to the implications of showing the programmes in the months immediately before a general election."

This year the series ran from March until early June and was one of the highpoints of the spring schedule, with record audience figures.

But the Conservatives have complained that Lord Sugar's appointment as Baron Sugar of Clapton in the Borough of Hackney could breach Beeb rules on fairness.

Jeremy Hunt, shadow culture secretary, said: "Why should licence fee payers should fund a programme hosted by someone who will help formulate, promote, and endorse Government policies?"

A BBC spokesman said it had always taken care over party political fairness around elections.

"The Executive has noted the Trust's clear view on the particular sensitivity of broadcasting The Apprentice during an election period. If the next general election falls in the first part of 2010, the Executive will of course bear the Trust's view in mind when it considers when to transmit the next series of The Apprentice."

Peter Briffa, News of the World Online reality show expert, said: "The Apprentice is as much a part of the Great British springtime as daffodils and Easter bunnies.

"Have the election now and get the trivial matter of who's going to be the next Prime Minister out of the way. Then we can concentrate on the more important issue of who's going to be Sugar's next apprentice".

What do you think is more important. A new PM or a new Apprentice?

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This article has 2 comments

There right to delay it. Its not right he should have so much pbulicity if he's biassed

By wendy p.. Posted July 22 2009 at 5:16 PM.

That's rubbish. I'd sooner see hinm on telly than watch him in the parliument.

By Grant H.. Posted July 22 2009 at 5:15 PM.

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