Politics

Channel 4 Faces Backlash Over Nigel Farage Special as Viewers Cry Bias

Published on June 27, 2025

Channel 4 has ruffled more than a few feathers after airing a provocative Dispatches special called Will Nigel Farage Be Prime Minister?, sparking a storm online with viewers split right down the middle. Some were absolutely fuming, accusing the broadcaster of peddling bias and chasing ratings, while others thought it was about time Reform UK got a bit of airtime.

One angry viewer didn’t hold back, blasting the programme on X with, “Your documentary about Nigel Farage is so biased and twisted. You lot couldn’t lie straight in bed.” Another disappointed user chimed in with, “FFS I thought we could rely on you for decent news. Disgusted.”

The documentary, fronted by journalist Fraser Nelson, dives into the rise of Reform UK and whether Farage really has what it takes to mount a serious political challenge. With Reform now topping some polls, running local councils and tapping into widespread disillusionment with the mainstream parties, the timing couldn’t have been more on the nose, reported the Express.

Still, not everyone thought Channel 4 had lost the plot. Quite a few actually backed the decision to give Reform some airtime. “I applaud Channel 4 – why shouldn’t Reform be heard like any other party?” one user posted. “We’re not in a prison of two or three parties!”

The programme follows Nelson as he talks to real people on the ground voters who’ve had enough of the political status quo and are flocking to Farage’s party in surprising numbers. From seaside pubs to social media rants, the show paints a picture of a public seriously fed up and possibly ready to take a political leap.

But the backlash was far from subtle. Viewers accused Channel 4 of stooping low just to grab attention. “Just to up Channel 4’s ratings. Despicable. I hope you lose lots of viewers now thanks to this. You deserve to,” said one particularly scathing post. Another complained, “Shame on you Channel 4 for giving Fraser Nelson a platform.”

And then came the louder voices suggesting Reform’s surge wasn’t something to ignore. One post read, “@Channel4 @Dispatches this is why @reformparty_uk need to win and probably will win. We don’t want to be taken over by Islam, as these men say” showing how emotionally charged and politically divisive this all has become.

Other viewers pointed fingers at the mainstream parties for creating the vacuum in the first place. “There isn’t really a lot of choice is there? So yeah I would but I’m not 100%. After what Labour has done so far, it can’t be worse but is any MP going to do what they promise?”

Nelson’s piece isn’t just about Farage though. It questions whether Reform is the real deal or simply the latest protest vote for a public that’s completely lost faith in the system. It digs into whether this groundswell could actually shake up Westminster or if it’s all just noise.

And comparisons to Donald Trump weren’t far off either. “Farage is using the same playbook as Trump. You said Trump wouldn’t win a second term and he did. What makes you so sure that Farage won’t get into No10?” one post asked.

As the dust settles, the bigger question lingers is Farage just stirring the pot again or is Britain really on the brink of a political shake-up that could send him all the way to Downing Street? Only time will tell, but Channel 4’s doc has clearly struck a nerve.

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