Chaser forced to pull wedding coverage

The Chaser has pulled its live coverage of Friday's wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton because of restrictions imposed by the royal family, prompting an appeal to the Queen.
The Chaser's Royal Wedding Commentary was due to air on ABC2 from 7pm (AEST) on Friday, promising viewers a mocking take on what is widely expected to be the global television event of the year.
But, just two days before the wedding, conditions issued by Associated Press Television News said footage of the ceremony from Westminster Abbey could not be used "in any drama, comedy, satirical or similar entertainment program or content".
The restrictions had been agreed between Clarence House, the private office of the Prince of Wales, and the BBC, the advisory said.
The Chaser responded with a light-hearted letter addressed to "the Australian Head of State", requesting a "stay of execution for our television program".
"We, like Kate, are commoners, and were looking forward to celebrating her wedding to your exalted grandson with a few affectionate observations," the letter said.
"To ensure that our coverage was respectful, we were only planning to use jokes that Prince Phillip has previously made in public, or at least the ones that don't violate racial vilification laws.
"We've also filmed a joke about hunting grouse which we think you might enjoy."
The letter added that Australians "are a simple people who don't often get to watch that kind of pomp".
"The last big wedding we had here was Scott and Charlene on Neighbours," it said.
"We've asked around, and there are at least six people in this outpost of your empire who would quite like to watch our commentary.
"Please consider our plea," the letter added, before signing off as "your Majesty's humble and obedient servants".
They added a post script: "How serious are you about treason laws?"
ABC TV director Kim Dalton said he was disappointed by the advisory.
"We're surprised and disappointed at this very late stage to be informed that any satirical or comedic treatment of the marriage of Australia's future head of state has been banned," he said on ABC's website.
"ABC TV had always planned to take the BBC's full coverage with commentary on ABC 1. However, like other broadcasters, we thought Australians would appreciate an alternative take on this major event.
"The Nine Network has Dame Edna giving her commentary and the Ten Network has the 7PM Project taking a light-hearted approach to the royal wedding," he said.
"Our obvious choice for a light-hearted commentary is The Chaser team. Clearly, the BBC and Clarence House have decided The Chaser aren't acceptable."