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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have also said they are willing to show a 'trigger warning' before any programme starts to alert viewers to potentially outdated content.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
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Fears Carry On will be censored as Ofcom faces pleas over extinction concerns
Broadcasting regular Ofcom has assured that it is 'not a censor' amid criticism over guidance around offensive language that a broadcaster has said affects their output Broadcast regulator Ofcom has faced calls to provide exemptions from language "restrictions" for "classic comedies". The news comes amid concern that the likes of the Carry On! films could end up lost to history in the future. Ofcom provides guidance on how acceptable TV viewers consider particular "offensive" words and uses research, including surveys on language, to inform its decisions. The regulator - which has the power to issue sanctions - has previously assured that there is no list of "banned" words. The Telegraph reports this week that critics argue that the evolving nature of language and social norms means that TV channels are being held to a constantly changing set of standards. The outlet suggests that words like "t**ser," "sl**" and "t**t" have previously been taken out of Carry On Laughing, Please Sir!, Whose Line is it Anyway? and On The Buses, for example. Jonathan Moore, who runs Rewind TV, told the outlet: "I think people have a thicker skin than maybe Ofcom gives them credit for. It's the nanny state, isn't it, really?" He suggested that it's "arbitrary" and that offensive is subjective. Talking Pictures TV's Sarah Cronin-Stanley however said that her channel has "happy medium" to stay within Ofcom's codes. She said that any edits to programmes sparks a backlash from viewers though. Jonathan argues that the regulator's approach means that 'classic programming' is at risk of being edited beyond recognition as broadcasters self-censor. He warns that this could ultimately lead to some films becoming 'extinct'. He said the "last thing" broadcasters want is a fine because they have "let something slip". Jonathan added that as a result he's "very nervous" and that his channel potentially goes "further" than it should because of "that fear". According to the Telegraph, campaigners are now calling on Ofcom to grant an exemption for "classic comedies". The idea has been compared to how cars can be exempt from MOTs and road tax if they are over 40 years old. It's been suggested that this would mean "old-school programmes" can avoid "language restrictions" on the condition that viewers are given adequate warning over the content in advance. Comedy historian Robert Ross told the outlet that trigger warnings are a 'small price to pay' to preserve content from British history. An Ofcom spokesperson told the Mirror: "Ofcom is not a censor. Freedom of expression is at the heart of our broadcasting rules which do not prevent the broadcast of content that may be offensive or controversial to some audiences. There is editorial freedom for each broadcaster to decide how it covers any issue, topic or programme type. "In our research, audiences recognise offensive language can play an important role on TV and radio. But viewers and listeners still want broadcasters to take care with potentially offensive terms, particularly so children are protected, and especially when discriminatory language is used. Our rules and research help broadcasters to strike the right balance." They added: "We've explored people's views on the acceptability of outdated or discriminatory content being broadcast in older programmes. Our research reflects that viewers welcome being warned about this kind content at the start of programmes whilst still being given the opportunity to watch and enjoy older material."
Daily Mirror
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Classic comedies 'face extinction' warns TV boss - and these are the reasons why
Classic comedies should be 'treated like vintage cars' and given exemptions from normal controversial language rules or they will face extinction, according to a TV boss Jonathan Moore, boss of REWIND TV, which broadcasts classic comedies like Please Sir! and Don't Drink The Water, says it is practically impossible for TV regulator Ofcom to keep up with changing language use - which currently brands words like 'mincing' medium offensive, meaning they could attract complaints, while 'bitch' isn't deemed offensive at all. Now, Jonathan is asking for vintage humour from a past era to be recognised for its cultural significance and for appropriate allowances to be made. He says: 'Classic cars are exempt from road tax and MoT rules when they reach 40, because they are seen to be part of the nation's history, and their preservation has cultural and historical significance. "They also appeal to a niche audience, who understand and appreciate them as being from a different time. In much the same way, classic comedy is certainly part of the nation's history, providing an insight into societal changes, as well as a window on a world long passed. Even more recent shows such as Drop the Dead Donkey and Whose Line Is It Anyway? are generally appreciated by an older audience, who understand the context in which they were recorded.' With rules relaxed for classic cars - those manufactured without seatbelts, typically before 1965, don't need them - Jonathan feels the same leniency should be shown to comedies. He wants broadcasters to be allowed to screen shows largely uncut, with only the most offensive content removed. Ofcom currently considers complaints about the broadcast of offensive language on TV and radio on a case-by-case basis, taking into account relevant factors of each specific broadcast. The regulator commissioned pollsters Ipsos MORI to conduct research to help them understand public attitudes towards the broadcast of offensive language before producing its guidance. Jonathan continues: 'We believe that shows more than 40 years old should be broadcast largely uncut – of course, we retain the right to edit content we consider particularly inappropriate – with a message explaining clearly that content that was deemed acceptable back then may not be acceptable now. Years of cuts can suffocate a show and that's something we want to avoid.' According to Jonathan, shows such as Carry on Laughing from the 1970s remain hugely popular, but broadcasters face a continual challenge to stick to censorship rules. He continues: 'Broadcasters already pepper their shows with trigger warnings; this isn't a new idea. 'But granting a 'classic comedy' exemption by default would help protect iconic shows from extinction – and losing these shows would be like losing a huge library of social commentary and changing attitudes.' TOP 10 CARRY ON FILMS: 1 Camping (1969); 2 Doctor (1967); 3 Up The Khyber (1968); 4 Nurse (1959); 5 Matron (1972); 6 Screaming (1966); 7 Cleo (1964); 8 Abroad (1972); 9 Sergeant (1958); 10 Constable (1960). TOP 10 STARS: 1 Sid James; 2 Kenneth Williams; 3 Barbara Windsor; 4 Hattie Jacques; 5 Charles Hawtrey; 6 Jim Dale; 7 Joan Sims; 8 Kenneth Connor; 9 Terry Scott; 10 Wendy Richard.
