Dr Who boss urges industry to stand firm on censorship

RUSSELL T Davies made a passionate appeal for television to stand strong in the face of a growing tide of censorship during his acceptance speech at the Bafta Cymru Awards.

- INDIGO JONES

The creative mind behind dramas such as Queer as Folk, It's a Sin, Years and Years and Doctor Who, Swansea-born Davies was honoured with the award for Outstanding Contribution to Television at Sunday night's Baftas, held at Newport's ICC arena.

After being handed his award by actress Ruth Madeley, who has starred in both Doctor Who and Years and Years, Davies expressed concern that increased compliance requirements are leading writers to self-censor.

In a video showcasing his speech he began by saying: “When times get tough, TV gets timid.”

He warned of the “danger coming towards us,” referencing the US government’s crackdown on US media after talk show host Jimmy Kimmel was pulled off air following comments about the recent death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and called on British networks like the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 to stand against any potential wave of censorship.