Jon Snow comments prompt 90 complaints

Comments from Jon Snow about the media blackout on Prince Harry's service in Afghanistan have prompted 90 complaints to Channel 4.

Channel 4 News held a panel and audience discussion after it was leaked that the royal had been overseas since last year, with the UK media along with CNN, Reuters and the Associated Press all agreeing not to publish details.

Snow asked the audience whether they could "think of another country where this would happen other than a totalitarian state?" He compared the media's agreement with the Royal family to policies in China and Iran.

Channel 4 said it received 90 complaints yesterday, compared to an average of five to ten per day. Ofcom said it took at least four about the piece.

Snow's comments also prompted critical comment on the channel's website. Posters said he was "ranting", being "idiotic" and "making unhelpful comments".

However, a spokesman for the broadcaster said they were only meant to illustrate the point of view that the blackout was wrong.

The news was leaked by US website The Drudge Report and subsequently reported by British media.