BBC producer quits over 'Springer' opera

A Christian BBC radio producer has quit over the broadcaster's decision to show the opera.

Anthony Pitts, producer for BBC Radio 3, left his job when he was offended after watching Jerry Springer: The Opera. Pitts joined the BBC in 1992 working on shows such as Between The Ears and Late Junction.

In his resignation letter, Pitts stated: "we the BBC did not give sufficient attention to the overwhelming level of listener protest in advance.

"One of the arguments used before the broadcast was that the stage show had not been attacked for blasphemy.

"My answer, after watching the show, is that anyone likely to pursue a case for blasphemy would not have remained in the theatre long enough to witness it."

A BBC spokeswoman said: "The BBC has to balance the potential offence such a programme might cause against the quality and artistic content of the programme and the needs of the whole audience.

"But we acknowledge the strength of feeling that has been expressed to us through phone calls and emails and in meetings with representatives of the church.

"We regret that Antony has felt it necessary to resign on a point of principle over this issue and we wish him well."

The show was broadcast on Saturday after recieving 47,000 complaints, a fair proportion of which came from Christians. Hundreds of protesters also made their feelings known outside BBC offices in London by burning their licences.