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Gulf Insider
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
UK Used BBC & ITV Soaps for Covert Vaccine Propaganda
New Freedom of Information (FOI) documents confirm what many long suspected: The UK government secretly used popular soap operas like EastEnders and Coronation Street to push vaccine propaganda during the pandemic, raising urgent questions about how much influence the state holds over British media, and how far officials are willing to go to manipulate public thought, opinion and behavior under the guise of public health. The findings echo May 2021 revelations that scientists on the UK government's behavioral advisory committee admitted they used fear-based 'totalitarian' tactics to control public behavior during COVID-19, describing the approach as 'unethical,' 'dystopian,' and a form of 'mind control.'They also mirror an October 2024 U.S. House investigation that found the CDC and Biden administration used a $900 million COVID campaign to 'manipulate Americans' with 'deeply flawed' messaging, 'overpromising' vaccines 'without evidence,' and funding Big Tech companies to 'track and monitor Americans.' What other views and choices are being shaped today by government-scripted entertainment? 'Ministers met television bosses during the pandemic to persuade them to push pro-vaccine storylines in soaps such as EastEnders and Coronation Street , it has emerged,' The Telegraph reported last week. The effort was led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which held secret meetings with ITV, BBC, Channel 4 and others to coordinate 'national unity programming.' FOI documents show broadcasters were asked: 'if there were plans to introduce health messages into soap stories.' BBC committed to 'report back re other shows' while ITV responded that 'filming had now ceased,' but that 'ITV have included voiceovers to episodes now to clarify govt messaging re social distancing.' Redacted records show that as early as Feb. 2, 2020—more than a month before lockdown—officials met ITV chief Dame Carolyn McCall to 'test the possibility' of inserting pro-vaccine messaging. The government briefing stated: 'Since that meeting ITV have noticeably increased their engagement across DCMS and Whitehall; and recently officials at the Department of Health have been in touch with DCMS about potential assistance from ITV in relation to pro vaccine messaging. This meeting may offer an opportunity to test the possibility of this with them.' Documents confirm the Department of Health wanted to write directly to ITV to 'include vaccine storylines in their soaps.' But DCMS advised against it: 'Whilst we do not think it would be appropriate to write to ITV on this matter given the importance of broadcasters' operational and editorial independence, you may wish to explore with them whether they already have plans to develop content related to this area.' Officials also noted ITV was 'planning soap storylines related to the environment and climate change and therefore they may be amenable to the idea of something similar in relation to vaccine messaging.' In March and April 2020, then-Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden and then-Media Minister John Whittingdale met with BBC Director-General Tony Hall, ITV's Dame Carolyn McCall, and Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon. Channel 4 agreed it would 'reinforce Public Health England guidance' and target younger viewers through YouTube. Mahon told officials: 'AM said they will consider how to spread message through YouTube excerpts of news programmes (C4's YouTube channel has attracted 100 million views) and through social media. Also C4 is considering filming broadcast messages from hosts and talent to reinforce messaging.' 'Pro-vaccine messaging did end up in soaps.' In a 2021 episode of EastEnders: 'Patrick Trueman told Suki Panesar he felt like he had 'won the lottery' after getting his second vaccination.' During the same scene: 'Karen Taylor was accused of being an 'anti-vaxxer' for worrying that they had developed the vaccine too quickly.' Sir David Davis MP condemned the effort: 'What this demonstrates is that during Covid, the government reduced the broadcasters to mere arms of the state.' 'Of course, it was important to tell the public about the efficacy and safety of vaccines, but the state should never resort to underhanded propaganda of this nature.' Lord Frost added: 'If, as it seems, the government quietly worked behind the scenes with major broadcasters to shape opinions and compliance on their draconian Covid-19 measures, this is extremely worrying.' 'Actions like this blur the boundary between government, civil society, and private life. They risk undermining confidence in government messaging in the future, and border on the unethical in a free society.' 'More than 17,500 Britons have applied to the Government's vaccine damage payment scheme (VDPS) believing they or loved ones were injured by the jab.' 'Most of the successful vaccine harm claims relate to the AstraZeneca jab, which was found to cause vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, a dangerous type of blood clotting which can be fatal.' Author Laura Dodsworth said: 'The government was in close contact with broadcasters to ensure the 'right' messages made it into entertainment – that's not public health, it's propaganda.' 'Take EastEnders. Patrick and Suki dutifully pushed the jab, while 'Karen' (white, and literally named Karen) voiced concerns and was ridiculed. It was heavy-handed, awkward and divisive. Propaganda often works by polarisation: creating in-groups and out-groups to shut down debate. There's a word for this: manipulation.' Dr. Colin Alexander of Nottingham Trent University stated: 'What the FoI request information thus confirms is that broadcasters relinquished their primary democratic role of holding the powerful to account and instead became collusive with the official narrative.' 'This at a time when scrutiny and investigation ought to have been at its highest.' Molly Kingsley of UsForThem added: 'This kind of brazen state interference with British media crosses multiple red lines.' 'It indicates that the state-led pandemic censorship operation extended beyond 'merely' social media, and it raises serious questions about the integrity of messages broadcast to the public during the pandemic.' ITV said: 'All of this was entirely editorially independent of the Government and any other body or interest group.' A BBC spokesman said: 'The BBC is independent and makes its own editorial decisions. This does not mean that we cannot meet representatives from the government or from political parties, and, like other broadcasters, we do so.' Dodsworth concluded: 'There's a growing trend of public policy delivered through storylines – we're being entertained into compliance. What better to wash your brain with than with a soap?' And if the government quietly weaponized entertainment to coerce pandemic compliance, how else is this machinery being used? If vaccine propaganda was planted in prime time without public knowledge, what other narratives are now shaping public thought, behavior, and consent? Also read: UK Turning Into 'National Health State', Says Think Tank
New Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Minister praises pivotal role of Revenue Department in Andhra Pradesh's development
VIJAYAWADA: Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra praised the pivotal role of the Revenue Department in the State's development, calling its services invaluable. The Minister was speaking at the Revenue Day celebrations held at the Revenue Kalyana Mandapam in Machilipatnam on Friday. The Minister said the department, established nearly 238 years ago, deserves special recognition for its dedicated public service. The event was attended by APSRTC Chairman Konakalla Narayana Rao, Machilipatnam MP Vallabhaneni Balashowri, Gannavaram MLA Yarlagadda Venkat Rao, District Collector DK Balaji, SP R Gangadhar Rao, Joint Collector Geetanjali Sharma, DCMS Chairman Bandi Ramakrishna, and other officials. Minister Ravindra said Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu had directed the observance of Revenue Day on June 20 each year to honour the department. The Minister appreciated its timely response during emergencies and its key role in issuing certificates such as birth, death, caste, and income. MP Balashowri highlighted the department's services like issuing passbooks and essential documents. APSRTC Chairman Narayana Rao applauded the staff's efforts, while Collector DK Balaji described the department as the 'backbone of all departments.' DRO K Chandrasekhar Rao, RDO K. Swathi, and others also participated. On the sidelines, officials and staff celebrated Minister Kollu Ravindra's birthday and extended their wishes.
Hans India
20-06-2025
- Hans India
Trial run of buses for Yogandhra
Vizianagaram: The trial run of the much-anticipated 'Yogandhra' event was conducted successfully in Vizianagaram district. Under the leadership of district collector Dr BR Ambedkar, a convoy of 16 buses carried district officials, public representatives, and liaison officers to the designated venues. What stood out in this initiative was the collector himself traveling in a regular Pallevelugu bus along with the rest of the team, setting an example of simplicity and inclusiveness. During the journey, the collector was joined by District SP Vakul Jindal, S Kota MLA Smt. Kolla Lalitha Kumari, joint collector Sethu Madhavan, Additional SP Soumya Latha, DCMS Chairman Gompa Krishna, and Venue In-Charge Ronanki Kurmanath, among others. All of them traveled together by bus up to the event site and reviewed the arrangements firsthand. The buses traversed along the National Highway route from Marikavalasa to Thimmapuram Beach. Officials thoroughly inspected the designated routes, drop-off points, and parking areas. For the movement of around 660 buses from the district, parking zones were allocated at four major locations: Thotlakonda, APIIC Hills, Bavi Kondalu, and IT Hills. The district has been allotted 30 compartments, with approximately 1,000 people per compartment. Each compartment will be supervised by a senior officer, along with dedicated police security and an in-charge official. To streamline coordination, each bus carried a label indicating the compartment number and assigned route, aiding both passengers and police personnel in smooth navigation.
The Independent
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Major sporting events and grassroots sport to receive £900 million funding
More than £900 million will be committed to major sporting events and grassroots sport across the UK in a 'transformational investment' over the coming years, the Government has announced. Euro 2028, the European Athletics Championships next year and the men's and women's Tour de France Grand Departs in 2027 are among the key events set to be hosted in the country that will benefit from more than half a billion pounds in funding. At least £400 million will also be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities nationwide after the funding was outlined in last week's Spending Review, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said. England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will be co-hosting Euro 2028, with the showpiece men's football tournament expected to generate up to £2.4 billion in socio-economic value alone, the DCMS said. Other major events scheduled to be held in the UK include the women's Rugby World Cup in England this summer, the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Invictus Games, founded by the Duke of Sussex, in Birmingham in 2027. Earlier this month, more than 100 athletes called on the Prime Minister to support a London bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships. But the Government is yet to commit to the bid, but has not ruled it our either, with a spokesperson saying it was working with UK Sport to secure a series of major sporting events up until 2035. However, the DCMS confirmed that work was continuing to develop a bid for the UK to host the women's Fifa World Cup in 2035. Sporting bodies and local leaders for grassroots initiatives will work closely with the department to establish what each community needs before further plans are laid out. It said the investment will not only help create jobs and boost regional prosperity, but would also reduce barriers to opportunity and 'bring communities together through shared national moments'. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 'Sport tells our national story in a way few other things can, uniting communities, inspiring millions, and showcasing our nation on the global stage. 'This major backing for world-class events will drive economic growth across the country, delivering on our plan for change. 'Coupled with strong investment into grassroots sport, we're creating a complete pathway to allow the next generation of sporting heroes to train and take part in sport in communities across the UK.' The announcement comes after Ms Nandy previously pledged £100 million to upgrade sports facilities across the UK, including new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights, back in March. Nick Webborn, chairman of UK Sport, praised the new funding as having 'huge potential to drive economic growth, bring people together and inspire the next generation'. He said: 'We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of this country's social fabric. 'We are really excited to be working with the Government and support their commitment to secure the pipeline of big events beyond 2028 to ensure we can continue to reach, inspire and unite people in every corner of the country.' Stuart Andrew, the Conservative shadow culture secretary, said: 'Funding for major sporting events and grassroots sport is welcome – but the spending review was no boon for British sports. 'Rachel Reeves' tax hikes are forcing schools to sell playing fields and driving up business rates for stadiums. 'At the same time, Labour have scrapped the Opening Schools Facilities fund and the National Citizen Service – depriving young people of sporting opportunities. 'Labour must recognise that their economic mismanagement is dealing a devasting blow to the sports sector.'
Rhyl Journal
20-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Major sporting events and grassroots sport to receive £900 million funding
Euro 2028, the European Athletics Championships next year and the men's and women's Tour de France Grand Departs in 2027 are among the key events set to be hosted in the country that will benefit from more than half a billion pounds in funding. At least £400 million will also be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities nationwide after the funding was outlined in last week's Spending Review, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said. England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will be co-hosting Euro 2028, with the showpiece men's football tournament expected to generate up to £2.4 billion in socio-economic value alone, the DCMS said. Other major events scheduled to be held in the UK include the women's Rugby World Cup in England this summer, the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Invictus Games, founded by the Duke of Sussex, in Birmingham in 2027. Earlier this month, more than 100 athletes called on the Prime Minister to support a London bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships. But the Government is yet to commit to the bid, but has not ruled it our either, with a spokesperson saying it was working with UK Sport to secure a series of major sporting events up until 2035. However, the DCMS confirmed that work was continuing to develop a bid for the UK to host the women's Fifa World Cup in 2035. Sporting bodies and local leaders for grassroots initiatives will work closely with the department to establish what each community needs before further plans are laid out. It said the investment will not only help create jobs and boost regional prosperity, but would also reduce barriers to opportunity and 'bring communities together through shared national moments'. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 'Sport tells our national story in a way few other things can, uniting communities, inspiring millions, and showcasing our nation on the global stage. 'This major backing for world-class events will drive economic growth across the country, delivering on our plan for change. 'Coupled with strong investment into grassroots sport, we're creating a complete pathway to allow the next generation of sporting heroes to train and take part in sport in communities across the UK.' The announcement comes after Ms Nandy previously pledged £100 million to upgrade sports facilities across the UK, including new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights, back in March. Nick Webborn, chairman of UK Sport, praised the new funding as having 'huge potential to drive economic growth, bring people together and inspire the next generation'. He said: 'We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of this country's social fabric. 'We are really excited to be working with the Government and support their commitment to secure the pipeline of big events beyond 2028 to ensure we can continue to reach, inspire and unite people in every corner of the country.' Stuart Andrew, the Conservative shadow culture secretary, said: 'Funding for major sporting events and grassroots sport is welcome – but the spending review was no boon for British sports. 'Rachel Reeves' tax hikes are forcing schools to sell playing fields and driving up business rates for stadiums. 'At the same time, Labour have scrapped the Opening Schools Facilities fund and the National Citizen Service – depriving young people of sporting opportunities. 'Labour must recognise that their economic mismanagement is dealing a devasting blow to the sports sector.'
