Survey-based Comedy for Channel 4

Surveys by London-based agency HI Europe will provide the backbone for a new Channel 4 comedy series, '8 Out of 10 Cats'. Two teams led by comedians will debate the results and the issues they highlight in a light-hearted style.

Endemol UK Productions chose HI for its 'speed and the accuracy of results'. Each week, the agency will ask 500 British adults their opinions on a range of topical subjects using an online panel. Questions will be created, programmed, surveyed and tabulated in 24 hours, and will provide up-to-the-minute stats on British attitudes to topical events, current affairs and people in the public eye.

The show is due for first broadcast on the UK's Channel 4 at 9.30pm (GMT) on 3 June 2005, and the two teams will be led by comedian Sean Lock and actor-comedian Dave Spikey, better known for his role as Jerry St. Clair in Channel 4's 'Phoenix Nights'. The host will be comedian Jimmy Carr.

In addition to current affairs, the surveys will include showbiz questions and trivia designed to generate debate about 'the subjects the British public is really discussing', for example, 'which do you prefer - kittens or Christmas?'

According to Series Producer Ruth Phillips 'The show is heavily reliant on being up-to-the-minute on all the topics that will be debated by the participants. We knew we could rely upon HI Europe to deliver timely and accurate information'. HI Europe Media Research Director Steve Evans says he and his colleagues are 'delighted to be involved in the show and to be associated with Endemol'.

HI Europe is online at www.hieurope.com

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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