Channel 4 is given formal warning over murder scene
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE CHANNEL 4 soap opera Brookside was criticised yesterday for an episode in which a wife stabbed to death her violent husband who had a history of sexually abusing their teenage daughter.
The Independent Television Commission issued a 'formal warning' to the network, saying the use of a knife, particularly one as accessible as a kitchen knife, as the murder weapon breached its programme code.
The warning - the first under a new system introduced this year - is specifically about the 8 May omnibus edition which went out at 5.05pm on a Saturday, regarded as family viewing time. The soap, which is shown three times weekly, had first shown the scene at 8pm the previous evening.
Channel 4 said its board had unanimously endorsed the showing of the episode. Its chairman, Sir Michael Bishop, said the warning raised 'serious editorial issues of principle' and would be considered by his board on Monday.
Phil Redmond, the series' creator and executive producer, said: 'It's the role of Brookside to stimulate discussion and debate. I am glad to say that we are doing that.
'No matter what the regulator says, the overwhelming response from the audience and professionals has been supportive.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments