[MC]

C4's pleasure principle to raise eyebrows

Paul Lewis: Wednesday July 19, 2006: The Guardian

When it's broadcast later this year, it is likely to prompt a mass debate. Channel 4 confirmed yesterday that the network has commissioned a documentary about Britain's first "masturbate-a-thon", a charity self-pleasuring session due to be held in London next month.

Andrew MacKenzie, the channel's factual entertainment commissioning editor, said that the film - given the working title Wank-a-thon - would be part of week-long series of "provocative and mischievous" programmes. "Following on from the success of 'Penis Week', we feel this is exactly the type of provocative and mischievous programming that Channel 4 should be covering in the 11pm slot."

Five masturbate-a-thons - in which participants are sponsored for each minute they masturbate - have taken place in San Francisco over the last five years to raise awareness about sexual health. This year's event, Europe's first, which will take place in a studio in Clerkenwell, London, will be filmed by the production company Zig Zag.

"It's time to bring the event across the pond to see if the Great British public can embrace mass public masturbation," said the company on its website. "It's time to find out if the only things allowed to be stiff in Britain are upper lips."

The UK-based organiser of the masturbate-a-thon, the reproductive health agency Marie Stopes International, said it would decorate the studio with soft lighting, soft furnishings, relaxing music, men-only and women-only spaces, and a mixed-sex area. For the less voyeuristic, the organisers will provide solo booths.

The current record for continuous DIY of the sexual sort is, allegedly, eight hours and 30 minutes.

Tony Kerridge said: "There are people who just laugh at the idea, and others say 'no way'. But we've advertised the event and it turns out people are quite up for it."

[Fathomer]

I was shocked when I read that as well.
Can anyone see Dave being sponsered for doing that?! Or Rachel?
Chris and Aled have done their bit for Charity this year.

[kendra k]

i would love to see something like this in america. there'd be such outrage.

[Mcqueen_]

Maybe they should arrange one for San Francisco Kendra

[whytie]

Who's a silly billy Kendra?

[kendra k]

i'm actually suprised something like this hasn't happened in san francisco. it's supposedly one of the most sexually liberated cities in the country. i could totally see it as a trashier part of gay pride week.

[Jimmy_Lemon]

erm........right. Not sure if Kendra is joking now - I am too tired to hunt for sarcasm.

[Rychu]

I cant say that I'm shocked. Channel 4 has always had very explicit and controversial documentaries and reality shows. I had a big discussion about that with my flat mates couple of weeks ago. It's been caused by the film about the boy that has been raised by dogs? I think channel 4 and all sister stations are “designed” to shock. The thing is you either like it or not. Fair enough You don't have to like it but You will die to see it. And i can bet that loads of people will love to see who can w$%^ the longest Don't you think ?