As If was criticised for taking straying into adult territory

It said film-makers were "inevitably more selective in source material" than a documentary, but they still had a responsibility not to distort the truth.

"Overall, the ITC is satisfied that the film reflected a proper range of known facts and was characterised by a degree of internal balance," it said.

Forum for debate

There were six complaints about Channel 4's Sunday, written by Jimmy McGovern and starring Christopher Eccleston.

The ITC concluded the film depicted the Paras as "more starkly brutal" and did not put the history of the troubles into context.

But it added Channel 4 "sensibly and appropriately" gave a forum for debate after the screening, proving its impartiality.

The commission did not feel that a public inquiry should prevent the media investigating issues, but admitted it was ultimately not a matter for the ITC to deal with.

But the ITC did rap teen drama As If for showing sexually-based storylines at an inappropriate time.

Bedroom farce

There were 15 complaints about the Channel 4 show, which was broadcast in a lunchtime slot.

Four of the characters were involved in a farce in which they were all in one bedroom attempting to indulge in sexual relationships.

Channel 4 defended the show, saying it had been done in a light-hearted way without sexually explicit activity and was meant to deal with issues facing teenagers.

But the ITC said it had gone out a time when a considerable amount of the audience would be children and the station had not taken this into account.

"The episode strayed into adult territory with the discussion about sexual matters and the couples' activities in the bedroom," ruled the commission.