In television comedy, Steve Coogan aka Tony Ferrino aka Alan Partridge was the star of the year. Since Rupert Murdoch stole the football, sport on terrestrial channels has had to find expression in game shows, chat shows and documentaries. None of it is quite the same as the live action, of course. But even Sky Sports is beginning to look a trifle jaded - the inevitable legacy of hyping sport to absurdity. Naseem Hamed, for instance, has now become such a joke that even his genuine boxing talent is unlikely to be able to save him.
Soap opera continues to grab the highest average ratings.
Glenroe celebrated its 15th birthday in 1997 and the success of Fair City reflects the growing urbanisation of Ireland. The soap controversy of the year was generated by East Enders . In its depictions of Ireland and Irish people, the Cockney soap opted for an insulting, London-mediated dollop of nonsense. One other TV moment deserves mention. It happened on The Clive Anderson Show .