CBBC stars told to mind language

BBC bosses have warned children's programme makers about the deteriorating quality of language used by presenters, it emerged yesterday.

The corporation's governors say slang and poor grammar used by its stars are helping to create a generation with poor language skills.

BBC chairman Michael Grade summoned managers of the children's channel CBBC to question them over the concerns.

The digital channel, which also produces programmes for BBC1, features the controversial comedy show Dick and Dom in Da Bungalow and The Saturday Show.

Minutes of the governors' July meeting reveal that Alison Sharman, controller of CBBC, has promised to 'keep a close watch on the use of bad grammar so as not to undermine standards of English'.

She was responding to complaints-from teachers and academicsput forward at the meeting. Earlier this year, retired teacher Joyce Watts complained about classroom problems caused by Saturday morning television programmes.

She told how impressionable youngsters watched presenters speaking 'loud and fast' and asking questions such as 'What d'ya like best?', 'What's ya faverit number?' and 'D'yer fancy 'im?'

The 76-year-old singled out The Saturday Show - presented by Sophie McDonnell, Jake Humphrey and Simon Grant - and Dick and Dom in Da Bungalow for criticism.

Dick and Dom also came under fire in a Governmentcommissioned report.

Patrick Barwise of the London Business School criticised CBBC for 'crass' presentation and 'tastelessnessand cruelty' in some of its programmes.

Although the report did praise some programmes broadcast on the channel, which is regularly watched by two million youngsters, there was overt criticism for the frequent use of bad grammar on its flagship comedy show.

Professor Barwise cited the common use of 'ain't' and 'you was' as examples. And he said the 'scantilydressed' presenters were 'too frenetic for ordinary daytime conversation'.

In the past, the duo - Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood - attracted 40 complaints when they staged a graphic mock childbirth scene.

Responding to questions about the governors' meeting last night, a BBC spokesman said: 'There is no cause for concern about this.

The governors are satisfied that the CBBC management are monitoring the issue.

'CBBC presenters have to connect with children and have an important role to play in helping to draw our audience into programmes.

'It is important that presenters like Dick and Dom use a vernacular that children can understand and identify with.'