The presenters of Channel 4’s athletics coverage continued to draw complaints from viewers throughout September - while the decision to drop US comedy Friends sparked less than 60 calls.

Coverage of the World Athletics coverage from South Korea topped the broadcaster’s “rated” and “slated” list.

Throughout September there were 34 comments praising the coverage compared to 254 viewers who offered less favourable feedback.

In August, 511 complaints were made to C4 over the athletics.

The event was initially presented by Ortis Deley who faced intense criticism for his lack of knowledge of the sport and poor handling of links. Deley was replaced by Rick Edwards, as lead presenter.

“Why have you used the most awful, awful, inexperienced, nothing to say, TV presenters to present the world championships?,” said on viewer.

“Truly dreadful and a complete turn off. Employ professionals who know what they are talking about. Get a grip Channel 4. I loved the athletics but what a turn off using such lousy presenters.”

Friends

The end of Friends on E4 was the third most complained about issue during September drawing 58 complaints.

One viewer said: “I’m absolutely gutted that you have stopped showing Friends… I’m trying the new American comedies but they’re not looking that promising yet.”

Four Lions, a satirical film on jihad directed by Chris Morris, drew 31 complaints.

“Having started to watch this film, was very upset that a film with this content was being aired so close to the 10th anniversary of 9/11”, said one viewer.

Meanwhile, a Dispatches investigation into former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s financial benefits since leaving office was the third most praised programme in September.

TOP 5 RATED

Congratulations on your superb coverage of the athletics world championships. Its been a revelation to have a new slant on a traditionally BBC broadcasting sport. I know you have had great racing coverage since the year of the flood! but have been delighted over the past week with something else. Well done to all concerned.

I would just like to say how much I am enjoying this series. It is brilliant, one of the best programmes on television this decade! They are such lovely people and have all had to cope with so much. I love them all.

The Dispatches programme delving into the financial misconduct of Tony Blair was excellent. It interviewed a wide range of people from throughout the world and had brilliantly researched footage of past comments made by Tony Blair. Overall the programme was well-researched, objective and insightful. Please keep up the excellent work.

‘Having watched ‘One man & His Dog’ for many years can I say how superb your presentation of the Lakes World Trials have been. Editing and enthusiasm brilliant, mix of young and old presenters well thought out, content of background, rules, hints and comments thoughtfully applied. Cannot thank you enough. Well done.

Come Dine With Me Rugby Special was brilliant. I have not laughed so much for ages. I wanted to be there! More please with other sports stars !!

TOP 5 SLATED

Why have you used the most awful, awful, inexperienced, nothing to say, TV presenters to present the world championships? Truly dreadful and a complete turn off. Employ professionals who know what they are talking about. Get a grip channel 4. I loved the athletics but what a turn off using such lousy presenters.

It is becoming really frustrating every time I watch Million Pound Drop Live, every couple without fail is in a certain age range! Why are all the contestants between 20 and 40?

I’m absolutely gutted that you have stopped showing Friends coz no matter how many times I watched it, it was always funny!! Don’t get me wrong, I love The Big Bang Theory and I’m trying the new American comedies but they’re not looking that promising yet :(

Having started to watch this film, was very upset that a film with this content was being aired so close to the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

We waited with much anticipation for the first episode of the well promoted “The History of Film: an Odyssey” series, but what a disappointment! With such an exciting topic, how is it possible that such a boring voice narrated the journey of cinema?

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