In December 2004, the station formerly known as Channel 5 screened a promotion for a certain ‘Top Up TV’ overlaid on top of their regular programming. It was crass, it was intrusive and it just happened to contravene a healthy selection of regulations which Five is bound to obey by virtue of its licence. The nation was outraged (well, they would have been if there had been anything worth watching underneath the advert anyway) but were comforted by their white knight – Ofcom! – riding to the rescue and promising to investigate.
Since then, we’ve had decisions on a new Pope and an old Prime Minister. Ofcom, however, took a more leisurely approach to life. In March 2005, 3 months later, they had worked tirelessly and succeeded in having “written to the broadcaster”. I know, because they were kind enough to write another letter and tell me so. I even blogged it.
But never fear, because good things come to those who wait. More specifically – a second letter! And this time, they have the kind heart to enthuse about the “interesting” nature of my complaint. Oh Ofcom – flattery will get you everywhere.
But let’s not get carried away. After all, Ofcom have a difficult task here. Wading through complex legalese, such as “specific promotions for any particular platform service provider… will not be permitted, outside of paid for advertising minutage” and “no interactive icon present during the course of editorial programming may be commercially branded” can be interpreted in many different ways. To a layman, it may appear to ban a commercially branded interactive icon for a particular platform service provider occuring outside of paid for advertising minutage. But I wouldn’t want to jump to any conclusions. Ofcom certainly don’t.
– Third season of Doctor Who commissioned.
– Including another Christmas Special.
– Billie Piper to feature in all of Season 2.
– Captain Jack is back. In Season 2.
Go BBC!
I’m having trouble thinking about anything other than Doctor Who tonight… how on earth am I going to get through next week’s exams waiting for the conclusion now? Damn you Russell T. Davies!
The reality stuff was great, defying some expectations, and the scene where Rose was shot was brilliant – because you really didn’t see that coming. It’s TV, the heroes always dodge the fatal blasts at the last minute… but not here.
And now – the most important thing – theories. I know when a lot of people heard the voice on the ‘Next Time’ trailer they assumed Davros or the Emperor Dalek was back. However, to me, the Adam theory seems very neat. He hates the Doctor for abandoning him on Earth, he’s got advanced technology, knowledge of history – GG might be right – he might even be Davros!
That’d be perfect for me too – since the character in my English exam was called Adam and part of the Kaled clan. Enough for extra marks? 
Red Dalek says – EXTERMINATE!
I’ve been watching clips of the brilliant Daily Show for ages now, but today MediaGuardian reports that More4 have secured the UK rights:
“Other acquired programming will include US comedian Jon Stewart’s much lauded satirical Comedy Central programme The Daily Show and More4 will also take over broadcasting The West Wing from E4.”
This is great news – it will be must see TV for me, and I’m really looking forward to the launch of More4 after all the waiting! Freeview – you now have your ‘killer app’
Just got back from my second Hat Trick recording – Room 101. Was expecting it to be good since it’s hosted by Paul Merton, someone I’ve loved for ages. And then he announced the guest – Alan Sugar! Fucking hell! Paul Merton and Alan Sugar sitting together chatting, and I was 3 rows away from the front… that was just spectacular. Agreed with all his choices as well, he makes a great impression as someone who really speaks his mind and doesn’t act up for the cameras. He was also very honourable – not mentioning people by name when slagging them off. An all round decent bloke is the feeling I got.
I repeat – WOW!
(Oh, and no, I’m not after a job Sir Alan – he did put schmoozers in after all!)
Jeff DuBowe on Haarlem globetrotters: “One of our favorite spots. Super walking city. I think we were the ones who told your In-Laws about it…” Oct 14, 15:15
