Channel 5 cleans up its act

Channels 5 news was also commended by the ITC

Channel 4 comic Ali G was praised

Channel 5 has been praised by a broadcasting watchdog for reducing its reliance on "tacky" sex shows.

The Independent Television Commission (ITC) said the channel, which has previously been criticised for saucy shows like Sex And Shopping, had made strides with its programming.

Peter Rogers, chief executive of the ITC, said of Channel 5: "There is not the same quantity of tacky sex - with the exception of the wee small hours where there is a heavy diet of sexual portrayal."

The channel's news output was praised, as were its documentaries, films and religious programmes.

Low budget

However the ITC said channel 5: "Still suffers from the inclusion of a great deal of low-budget material of little distinction."