Big Brother 'changed public perceptions'

Channel 4 has said that Big Brother has played a part in changing the public's perceptions since it first aired in the UK in 2000.

The broadcaster defended the reality TV competition in its 2008 annual report, saying that the selection of two visually impaired housemates in last year's series illustrated the programme's "enormous power".

Channel 4 said: "Love it or hate it, it is impossible to deny that Big Brother has changed public perceptions and been a triumphant vindication of the view that, given the chance, most people will set aside their preconceptions and see other people for who they really are."

It quoted survey results which showed that 62% of viewers stopped thinking of radio producer Mikey Hughes as a blind man and instead saw him as "just another housemate".

Host Davina McCall recently said that the show will end after two more series.