When it gets stories that chime with the audience it does very well indeed he said
“When it gets stories that chime with the audience it does very well indeed,” he said.The future of Richard and Judy was raised at the launch of Channel 4’s spring and summer schedule, which was notable for a line-up of programmes likely to rattle the Establishment.Mo Mowlam, the former secretary of state for Northern Ireland, is expected to blow the lid off the inner workings of Tony Blair’s Government in a programme explaining how she went from being Parliament’s darling to a life of political obscurity. She said: “I want to be honest about why I left because otherwise it’s difficult to understand.”Mr Gardam said the Government might be uncomfortable because Ms Mowlam was by far the most important former cabinet member to speak out “The Government is easily embarrassed. And the point about Mo Mowlam is she has an absolute reputation with the public for telling the truth.”Another programme will put the spotlight on the Prime Minister as he reaches his fifth anniversary in power, while the Queen’s golden jubilee will be marked with a tribute from the caustic impressionist Rory Bremner and a special investigation into the royal finances.A programme by the film maker Molly Dineen profiles the dying days of the old House of Lords.The channel is to broadcast a third series of Big Brother although Mr Gardam promised there would be a new twist to the rules.The channel’s tradition of snapping up some of the best American drama will be maintained with the signing of Six Feet Under. Scripted by Alan Ball, the Oscar-winning writer of the film American Beauty, Mr Gardam predicted it would be as big as The Sopranos.And in a schedule surprisingly devoid of Channel 4’s usual quotient of sex, an exception will be a show featuring animals that display homosexual behaviour. A BBC executive was accused yesterday in the House of Commons of writing an “offensive” letter to a senior MP. Gerald Kaufman, chairman of the Culture Select Committee, accused Michael Hastings of “impertinence” after he wrote to Mr Kaufman saying MPs were focusing too much on the BBC in a new communications Bill.. Andreas Whittam Smith, the president of the British Board of Film Classification, is to step down from his post to take a senior job with the Church Of England.
His guiding ethos during four years in charge at the board was that sex scenes could be more graphic for adult audiences, but violence – particularly with sexual overtones – must be more strictly curbed and children protected to a greater degree. He also led “roadshows” at which the public’s views could be heard, and the board’s decisions explained.Mr Whittam Smith said yesterday: “The board is now seen as an open and accountable organisation with a set of guidelines which reflect current public opinions. That is not to say that the board is above criticism from some quarters. For example I recognise that not everyone yet shares my and the board’s view that adults should be able to make their own viewing decisions.”He has been keen to make film classifications advisory rather than mandatory, in line with many European countries. A pilot scheme is looking at the possibility of making the “12″ rating advisory as a first step. Such a move would allow parents to make decisions.In 2000, the board revamped its guidelines to take account of public tastes. It also drew up new rules on hardcore sex films, rated R18, in response to a landmark legal ruling to allow more explicit material than before, including scenes of real rather than simulated sex, as long as films were sold by licensed premises.Mr Whittam also set up a new panel at the board concerned specifically with the interests of children.In his new role with the church he will chair the Church Commissioners Assets Committee, responsible for strategic management of the commissioners’ £4bn investment portfolio.
He said: “I see the role of the Church Commissioners as taking many financial problems away from archbishops, bishops and clergy, providing solutions and leaving them free to devote their full attention to their ministry.”Mr Whittam Smith succeeded Lord Harewood as the ninth president of the film board in December 1997. He declared three objectives: to promote consistency in classification; to encourage public openness; and to make sure the board was well informed about public opinion of its work. A spokeswoman for the board said: “The board’s achievement since in meeting all three of these objectives is a tribute to his leadership.”. HOW A SMALL FIELD IS CAUSING A BIG ROW IN WREXHAMA patch of disputed land at the Barkers Lane Primary School in Wrexham may seem insignificant but it amounts to a third of the playing field. And the row it has provoked is anything but small.
It has led Dr John Marek (right), the deputy presiding officer of the Welsh Assembly and one of the longest-serving politicians in Wales, to mount a scathing verbal assault on fellow members of the Labour party in Wrexham council. He has accused them of a “money grabbing” determination to sell off playing fields, breaking their own party’s election promise.The council is determined to sell the land for housing and on Monday, despite a demonstration from some parents and residents, it gave planning permission.
In return it will get £250,000, which it promises to put back into the school and local community, buying classroom space as well as an all-weather play area and sports pitches. Barkers Lane sums up much of the current dispute about the sale of playing fields In the first place it is within the rules. This is partly because some of the cash will be spent on improving games facilities. But also because the remaining playing field is within the guidelines for the amount of space available per child.In reply, Lynne Hayes, the campaign leader for the Barker’s Lane School Field Action Group says this is only because the rules ignore all children under the age of eight. The current space, she says, is pitifully inadequate.Barkers Lane is also typical in a more basic way. The council and the schools need to find money, and selling off land is the only way to refurbish their classrooms. “Our argument is that yes, we’re short of facilities, but we can wait for the money for them We don’t want to lose yet more green spaces We’ll never get them back,” says Mrs Hayes.