Latest news with #Brass
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ofcom accused of censorship in Carry On free speech row
Ofcom has been accused of censorship by TV bosses in a deepening free speech row over classic comedy. Campaigners have accused the regulator of creating a 'culture of fear' through its rules on language and offence in golden oldie favourites such as Please Sir! and the Carry On series. They argue that the overly stringent rules and the fear of being subjected to a crippling fine amount to censorship. While Ofcom does not operate a blacklist of banned words and phrases, TV bosses have complained they are hostages to an arbitrary and ever-changing set of guidelines. Ofcom has insisted it is not a censor and earlier this month issued a statement insisting broadcasters had editorial freedom to decide what they air. But Jonathan Moore, chief executive of RewindTV, said Ofcom's response 'blatantly ignores' the reality of broadcasting and urged the regulator to 'come clean' about how much pressure it puts on small channels. He said: 'Many broadcasters live in permanent fear of falling foul of Ofcom guidelines – small companies could fold if they're hit with a fine and so, inevitably, they are forced to take a 'safety-first' approach when it comes to censorship. 'That means more and more content ends up cut, damaging the authenticity of classic shows needlessly.' Mr Moore called on the regulator to update its guidelines to recognise the importance of protecting classic British shows. One proposed change is a 'presumption of innocence' that would exempt broadcasters from punishment if they show material that is deemed offensive, but would ensure Ofcom has the power to take action against repeat offenders. Campaigners have previously suggested that classic comedy should be granted an exemption from modern broadcasting rules because of their cultural and historical significance in the same way that vintage cars are exempt from road tax and VAT. They have also said they are willing to show a 'trigger warning' before any programme starts to alert viewers to potentially outdated content. RewindTV is among a small number of channels – which also includes Talking Pictures TV and That's TV – that have built up modest but loyal audiences through their slate of nostalgic hits. However, the prevalence of old-fashioned language, themes and viewpoints in these films and TV programmes has triggered a clash with regulators. TV executives acknowledge that some viewpoints have no place in the modern age. But they argue that Ofcom's guidance on specific words is 'little more than a lottery'. For example, in a recent broadcast of 1983 comedy-drama Brass starring Timothy West, the word 'queer' was cut but its synonyms 'nancy boys' and 'pansies' were left in. Mr Moore argued that viewers should be granted greater authority to decide what they consider offensive. He said: 'The sort of people tuning in to RewindTV comedies are likely to know what they're going to get in terms of content, and the rules should reflect that. 'The chances of our viewers being upset by shows such as Doctor in the House or Carry On Laughing are small – they are far more likely to take umbrage at the sort of adult language that is now the norm on mainstream broadcasters. 'But it's not appropriate for us to dictate to those broadcasters' audiences any more than it is appropriate for others to dictate to our audience.' A spokesman for Ofcom said: 'Ofcom is not a censor. Freedom of expression is at the heart of our broadcasting rules – and these rules do not prevent the broadcast of content that may be offensive or controversial to some audiences. 'Each broadcaster has editorial freedom to decide the type of programmes or films it airs.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ofcom accused of censorship in Carry On free speech row
Ofcom has been accused of censorship by TV bosses in a deepening free speech row over classic comedy. Campaigners have accused the regulator of creating a 'culture of fear' through its rules on language and offence in golden oldie favourites such as Please Sir! and the Carry On series. They argue that the overly stringent rules and the fear of being subjected to a crippling fine amount to censorship. While Ofcom does not operate a blacklist of banned words and phrases, TV bosses have complained they are hostages to an arbitrary and ever-changing set of guidelines. Ofcom has insisted it is not a censor and earlier this month issued a statement insisting broadcasters had editorial freedom to decide what they air. But Jonathan Moore, chief executive of RewindTV, said Ofcom's response 'blatantly ignores' the reality of broadcasting and urged the regulator to 'come clean' about how much pressure it puts on small channels. He said: 'Many broadcasters live in permanent fear of falling foul of Ofcom guidelines – small companies could fold if they're hit with a fine and so, inevitably, they are forced to take a 'safety-first' approach when it comes to censorship. 'That means more and more content ends up cut, damaging the authenticity of classic shows needlessly.' Mr Moore called on the regulator to update its guidelines to recognise the importance of protecting classic British shows. One proposed change is a 'presumption of innocence' that would exempt broadcasters from punishment if they show material that is deemed offensive, but would ensure Ofcom has the power to take action against repeat offenders. Campaigners have previously suggested that classic comedy should be granted an exemption from modern broadcasting rules because of their cultural and historical significance in the same way that vintage cars are exempt from road tax and VAT. They have also said they are willing to show a 'trigger warning' before any programme starts to alert viewers to potentially outdated content. RewindTV is among a small number of channels – which also includes Talking Pictures TV and That's TV – that have built up modest but loyal audiences through their slate of nostalgic hits. However, the prevalence of old-fashioned language, themes and viewpoints in these films and TV programmes has triggered a clash with regulators. TV executives acknowledge that some viewpoints have no place in the modern age. But they argue that Ofcom's guidance on specific words is 'little more than a lottery'. For example, in a recent broadcast of 1983 comedy-drama Brass starring Timothy West, the word 'queer' was cut but its synonyms 'nancy boys' and 'pansies' were left in. Mr Moore argued that viewers should be granted greater authority to decide what they consider offensive. He said: 'The sort of people tuning in to RewindTV comedies are likely to know what they're going to get in terms of content, and the rules should reflect that. 'The chances of our viewers being upset by shows such as Doctor in the House or Carry On Laughing are small – they are far more likely to take umbrage at the sort of adult language that is now the norm on mainstream broadcasters. 'But it's not appropriate for us to dictate to those broadcasters' audiences any more than it is appropriate for others to dictate to our audience.' A spokesman for Ofcom said: 'Ofcom is not a censor. Freedom of expression is at the heart of our broadcasting rules – and these rules do not prevent the broadcast of content that may be offensive or controversial to some audiences. 'Each broadcaster has editorial freedom to decide the type of programmes or films it airs.' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
US defence chief looks to woo allies in Asian security forum debut
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth will try to convince Asian defence leaders this weekend that the United States is a more trusted partner for the region than China, U.S. officials told Reuters, as questions linger about the Trump administration 's commitment to the region. Hegseth, who has spent a large portion of his first months on the job focused on domestic issues, countering diversity, equity and inclusion in the military and taking aim at the press, will make his first extended remarks in Singapore on Saturday about how he envisions U.S. defence policy in the Indo-Pacific. He will be addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue , Asia's premier security forum, which runs this year from May 31-June 1. Defence ministers, senior military and security officials and diplomats from around the world are expected to attend. French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver the keynote address on Friday. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo "Secretary Hegseth is going to make the case to Asian allies about why the United States is a better partner than the CCP," said a senior U.S. defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official, who was using an acronym for China's Communist Party, said Hegseth had the opportunity to take advantage of Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun's expected absence from the dialogue, where U.S. and Chinese delegates have locked horns in previous years. Live Events Before departing for Singapore, Hegseth criticised former U.S. President Joe Biden's approach to the region. " The previous administration talked somewhat about pivots, but all the Biden administration ever showed the world was weakness," he said. "Under this administration we will achieve peace and deterrence through strength (and) that is by working by, with and through allies and partners, specifically in the Indo-Pacific." Hegseth's speech will be closely watched as it comes after President Donald Trump has lashed out at traditional allies, most recently with tariffs. Hegseth has also roiled allies in Europe. In February, he warned Europe against treating America like a "sucker" while addressing a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels. "There's certainly uncertainty being expressed, and sometimes I think it's probably fair to characterize it as a concern," a second senior U.S. defence official said, referring to anxiety among Asian allies. General Dan Caine, the recently confirmed U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is also expected to attend the dialogue. EARLIER ASIA VISITS Some of the Trump administration's early moves in the Indo-Pacific have raised eyebrows. The U.S. moved air defence systems from Asia to the Middle East earlier this year as tensions with Iran spiked - an effort which took 73 C-17 flights. But Hegseth visited the Philippines and Japan in March, a trip in which experts said the secretary stuck by the more traditional importance of allies. Ely Ratner, who was the Pentagon's top official on China under the Biden administration, said allies in Asia were seeking a consistent policy from Hegseth. "The region will be watching closely as to whether the U.S. secretary of defence that shows up at Shangri-la looks like the one that travelled to the Philippines and Japan or has more of the harder edge that we've seen from the Trump administration in Europe," said Ratner. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, was only narrowly confirmed as defence secretary in January. He has moved with stunning speed to reshape the department, firing top generals and admirals as he seeks to implement Trump's national security agenda. His leadership has been under intense scrutiny after it was revealed that he shared sensitive war plans on Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis in two Signal group chats. Trump has stuck by him through the turmoil. Hegseth will likely get a friendly audience at the Shangri-La Dialogue, said Greg Poling, with the Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank. "Asian allies, and particularly the Philippines, feel a lot more reassured than our European allies, but there's always going to be that voice in the back of their head," Poling said. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, who is co-leading a bi-partisan delegation to the Shangri-la Dialogue, said her aim was to reassure Asian allies that the United States was committed, a message she said Hegseth was not capable of delivering. "He's only got this job because he sucked up to President Trump and looked good on Fox News. So let's be clear about the capabilities of the secretary of defence," Duckworth told Reuters.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New England mall shooting happened after men ‘got into a beef,' officials say
A shooting at a Connecticut mall that left five adults injured Tuesday afternoon stemmed from two men who 'got into a beef,' according to officials. 'It was not a random act of violence, it was two young men who knew each other, had a history and a past,' Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski, Jr. said during a press conference Wednesday. 'Instead of having, at one time what would have been a fist fight, because he was armed came out with a pistol,' the mayor said. The incident occurred at the Brass Mill Center Mall in Waterbury shortly before 4:45 p.m. on May 27, Waterbury police said in a Facebook post. Police identified the suspected gunman as 19-year-old Tajuan Washington, of Waterbury, through watching surveillance footage. He was arrested and charged with five counts of assault and various weapons violations Tuesday evening. Washington was being held on a $2 million bond. He was expected to appear in court later in the day Wednesday. Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo recalled the 'chaotic scene' during the Wednesday press conference. Spagnolo said officers found the five victims in a state of panic as they were unsure if there was still an active shooter in the mall. Authorities said Washington knew all the victims. However, it was later determined that the suspected gunman had made his way through the mall, exited through the JC Penny and left shortly after the assault, Spagnolo said. Meanwhile all five victims, whose ages range from 18 to mid-20s, were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. As of Tuesday morning, three of the five people were out of the hospital. The two remaining people were said to be in stable condition. The most severe injury was one woman who shot in the spine, according to Pernerewski, Jr. However, the mayor said she is starting to regain feeling in her legs and will undergo rehabilitation to hopefully avoid paralysis. 'We are very shaken to have this happen here in Waterbury, but we're not broken,' Pernerewski said at the press conference. 'This is a strong city and we are very much standing together in times of crisis.' The mayor reassured the public that the shooting was a 'one-off incident' and that the mall and city are safe. He also said officials plan on discussing new safety and security plans to help keep the mall safe. The mall was closed Wednesday, and will be closed indefinitely, as authorities continued their investigation. 'We are working in full cooperation with the Waterbury Police Department and local officials as they investigate this unfortunate incident,' a Brass Mill Center spokesperson said in a statement sent to WFSB. 'There is no ongoing threat to the public and we will open under normal operating hours once cleared by the city,' the statement read. 'We extend our sincere gratitude to the local emergency responders for their prompt action and will continue to closely monitor the situation.' Officials have yet to find the involved weapon, but Spagnolo said Washington used a handgun in the shooting. Anyone with information about it is urged to call Waterbury detectives at (203) 574-6941 or share an anonymous tip by calling (203) 755-1234. After four decades, Cornucopia prepares to leave Northampton Mass. Gov. Healey slams ICE over migrant arrests on Nantucket, Vineyard E-bike rider killed in collision in Springfield Springfield's budget maintains parks, libraries despite economic concerns No more 'fricking barber poles': Gov. Healey says as Mass. looks to shred regs Read the original article on MassLive.
Irish Independent
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Timothy West died ‘peacefully' at care home after three-month hospital stay
West, who was married to actress Prunella Scales for more than 60 years, starred in TV shows such as comedy drama Brass, sitcom Not Going Out and soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders. His family announced last November that he had died aged 90 with his friends and family around him, some of whom attended a hearing into his death at Westminster Coroner's Court on Thursday by videolink. Assistant coroner Ellie Oakley said: 'Timothy West had an unwitnessed fall near his home on 11 August 2024 which resulted in a significant traumatic brain injury. 'It is not possible to determine how the fall happened and there is no evidence of others being involved. 'He was treated in hospital for around three months before being discharged to a care home on 5 November 2024 for palliative care. 'Unfortunately he was not well enough to be discharged to his home despite receiving appropriate care in the care home. 'He died on 12 November 2024.' The coroner addressed the family and close friends who viewed proceedings online at the conclusion of the inquest, telling them: 'I would like to end by passing on my sincerest condolences to Mr West's family and friends for this tragic loss of their loved one.' They continued to stay with him in his room during the evening and he passed away peacefully with his family around him at 19:20 Thomas Holden, care home manager West had been living at Wandsworth Common Care Home in the days leading up to his death. The home's general manager, Thomas Holden, said in a statement read out at Thursday's inquest: 'On 12 November his family were with him all day. 'They continued to stay with him in his room during the evening and he passed away peacefully with his family around him at 19:20.' ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Mr Holden said West was admitted with a view to trying to rehabilitate him enough so that he could go home 'as he wished to spend his last days there' but that there was a 'slow decline' in his health over the days he resided there. West was admitted to hospital in August last year after a fall near his home. Members of the public came across him unconscious on a footpath near Wandsworth Common, the inquest heard, and an ambulance crew attended and took him to St George's Hospital in Tooting after a neurological assessment. All of us will miss him terribly Timothy West's children He remained in hospital for around three months during which time the actor's loved ones eventually decided to prioritise his 'comfort and dignity' and arranged for him to be discharged to the private care home. The medical cause of death was given as a subdural haematoma and extra-axial haemorrhage, with a traumatic brain injury and non-convulsive status epilepticus, aspiration pneumonia and hypertension as contributing factors. In a statement announcing his death last year, West's children Juliet, Samuel and Joseph said: 'After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old. 'Tim was with friends and family at the end. 'He leaves his wife, Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly.' West and Scales, 92, who played Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, appeared in the documentary series Great Canal Journeys between 2014 and 2021, which saw them travelling on narrowboats. The couple married in 1963 and had two sons, Samuel and Joseph. West was also married to actor Jacqueline Boyer from 1956 to 1961, and they had a daughter, Juliet. In Brass the Bradford-born actor played ruthless self-made businessman Bradley Hardacre from 1982 to 1984 before returning for a third series in 1990, while in Not Going Out he played Geoffrey, the father of Lucy Adams, played by Sally Bretton. He appeared as Eric Babbage in seven episodes of Coronation Street in 2013, and in EastEnders he played Stan Carter from 2014 to 2015. His film roles included Commissioner Berthier in The Day Of The Jackal (1973), King Francis in From Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998), and Nazi physician and war criminal Karl Gebhardt in Hitler: The Last Ten Days (1973). On stage, he was a regular performer of Shakespeare, playing Lear in 2016 and 2002. In 1984, West was appointed a CBE for his services to drama in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. Before acting, West attended the John Lyon School and Bristol Grammar School, and worked as an office furniture salesman and a recording technician before becoming an assistant stage manager at Wimbledon Theatre in 1956.
