Ofcom must not ‘take sides in the culture war’ by banning blackface on TV, ex-BBC chief warns

Ofcom must not ‘take sides in the culture war’ by banning blackface on TV, ex-BBC chief warns, as watchdog probes family-run channel for showing 1970s sitcom Rogue’s Rock Ofcom is investigating Talking Pictures TV for airing episode with blackface in  Lord Grade of Yarmouth warned the OFCOM probe sets a ‘worrying precedent’ Writing to OFCOM, the former … Read more

Ex-BBC man GAVIN ESLER is coming to believe that the break-up of the UK is inevitable

I live in England and am a Londoner by choice, although I have lived in all three other capital cities – Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff Like most Scots of my generation, I have several identities. Born in Scotland, I am from a Scottish and Ulster unionist family stretching back to the 17th Century.  I live … Read more

Boris Johnson ‘said his partner would be angry if ex-BBC journalist wasn’t given job’

The civil war in Downing Street after the ousting of two top aides took another dramatic turn last night as a slew of sensational new claims emerged. Among them was the suggestion that Boris Johnson appointed his new TV spokesman – former BBC and ITV journalist Allegra Stratton – to appease fiancee Carrie Symonds and prevent … Read more

Ex-BBC correspondent John Sergeant says failing to pay the licence fee should not be a crime

Ex-BBC correspondent John Sergeant says failing to pay the licence fee should not be a crime as he calls for annual £157.50 payment to be frozen Veteran broadcaster said current annual £157.50 licence fee should be frozen Sergeant suggested the BBC should be ‘forced’ to earn more by other means   Government will respond to consultation … Read more