1/3/98 THE AGE 'Mouthing Off is a turn-on'. One of thecomedychannel's most successful initiatives has been 'Mouthing Off', the debating show hosted by Richard Fidler (8:30pm Tuesdays). Fidler and four guests sit around on stools and discuss contentious topics ranging from "Being a poof is no fun any more" to foreign policy. The show is now in its third year and Fidler begins shooting the fourth season this week. Fidler, who also hosts the ABC's 'Race Around The World' and used to be the Doug Anthony Allstars guitarist, considers that 'Mouthing Off' has lasted because it is extremely cheap to make and there is no censorship. " The idea is to appropriate the demagoguing style of the shock jock, but we do a lot of research and talk about things in depth. I can't stand shows which discuss issues in a dumb way." Comedians such as Adam Spencer, Wil Anderson and Sue-Ann Post appear on 'Mouthing Off', but in conjunction with political, economic, religious and scientific heavyweights. Fidler says that the fourth series will emphasise biotechnology and bioethics. "There are new scientific breakthroughs all the time; genetic manipulation of humans could well become commonplace in 15 years." Topics for the next series of 'Mouthing Off' include Islam, What Are We Going To Do With Nana?, and The Men's Movement: Is It Just A Bunch Of Wankers Getting Nude?