THE controversy surrounding Jerry Springer - The Opera will doubtless continue to rage, even now that the show has been broadcast by the BBC.

The Bishop of Worcester has spoken out today criticising those Christian fundamentalists who issued death threats to BBC staff because of their decision to screen the controversial programme.

The Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby has labelled protesters "disgraceful" for forcing some managers to require 24-hr security.

We quite agree - real death threats are, we would argue, far more offensive than any work of fiction.

Bishop Peter is also right in refusing to condemn the programme.

As a public service broadcaster, the BBC needs to appeal to, and cater for, a wide and varied audience.

Although a show like this does not appeal to everybody, it does appeal to a large number of viewers.

These people have a right to see this type of programme, in the same way that the 40,000 people who did so, have a right to object.

However, an objection does not mean a programme should not be aired.

Nobody is in any way forced to watch the programme. If you don't like it, don't watch it.

But how many people did actually tune in? 1.7 million, according to the viewing figures. And what does that prove?

As we said last week, there's no such thing as bad publicity.