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Matt Brittin, the new director general of the BBC, is no stranger to high-pressure roles. A former Google executive and Doctor Who enthusiast, Brittin has made a significant career shift from big tech to broadcasting.As he takes on the top job at the BBC, Brittin will have to navigate treacherous waters, including the corporation's shift towards digital platforms, major political challenges, and difficult financial decisions. The BBC is facing a significant savings programme running into the hundreds of millions, as the licence fee has eroded in value.Brittin's background in big tech has raised questions about his ability to lead the BBC, with some insiders expressing concerns about his lack of broadcasting experience. However, his supporters argue that his operational leadership skills and ability to perform in a public sphere make him well-suited for the role.One of the biggest challenges facing Brittin is the crises that never seem to be far from the director general's desk. He will have to deal with partisan hostility over the BBC's funding and coverage, as well as regulatory challenges in the online content space.Despite these challenges, Brittin has expressed his commitment to the role and his desire to make a positive impact on the BBC. With his background in business strategy and experience in the tech industry, Brittin may be well-equipped to tackle the challenges facing the corporation.

Billy Idol: A Postpunk Icon's Life and Times are celebrated in a new documentary, Billy Idol Should Be Dead, directed by Swedish filmmaker Jonas Åkerlund. The film offers a nostalgic look back at Idol's career, from his early days in punk and new wave to his rise to fame in the US.With a mix of humor and sympathy, the documentary examines Idol's outrageous excesses, including his struggles with drug abuse and near-fatal accidents. Idol's life was marked by a series of close calls, including a near-fatal overdose in 1984 and a second episode in the late 80s where he collapsed in a Bangkok hotel lift, much to the horror of Mel Gibson and his family.The film also explores Idol's impact on music and pop culture, comparing him to Elvis Presley and Eddie Cochran. Idol's distinctive snarl-sneer and charismatic stage presence made him a big name, particularly on MTV, which was eager for content and drawn to his self-destructive bad-boy image.At 70, Idol looks back on his life with a cheerfully gravelly voice, recalling his experiences with a mix of humor and reflection. The documentary is a nostalgic tribute to a music legend and a celebration of his enduring legacy.Billy Idol Should Be Dead is set to air on Sky Arts on March 26.

Israeli analysts are expressing a sense of disappointment and confusion following US President Donald Trump's assertion that negotiations with Iran to de-escalate the conflict are ongoing. This comes as a surprise, given Trump's previous threats to launch strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure and Tehran's denials of any negotiations taking place.The situation has left many in Israel questioning the country's role in the conflict, particularly as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had framed the war as an existential threat to Israel, with the US joining forces to combat Iran. Netanyahu has boasted of convincing the US to support Israel's stance against Iran.In a video statement, Netanyahu mentioned that Trump believed it was possible to leverage the military achievements of both the US and Israel to secure an agreement that would safeguard their vital interests. He emphasized that Israel continues to attack Iran and Lebanon, methodically dismantling Iran's missile and nuclear programs and targeting Hezbollah.Despite Netanyahu's assertions, many Israelis are aware that the war was initially presented as an effort to overthrow the Iranian government and eliminate the threat from the country. With the Islamic Republic still standing and Iran launching deadly attacks on Israel, the prospect of a negotiated end to the conflict is unsettling.Former Israeli ambassador Alon Pinkas suggested that if Trump has pushed for negotiations over Netanyahu's objections, it may indicate that the US president has realized Netanyahu may have misled him about the feasibility and speed of a victory and the viability of regime change in Iran.Political scientist Ori Goldberg described Trump's move as a defeat for Netanyahu, essentially ditching Israel. He noted that this development undermines Israel's status as a serious player that the US or other states would want to engage with.The situation highlights the complex dynamics between Israel, the US, and Iran, with analysts suggesting that even if Israel has been sidelined in current negotiations, it has still achieved significant gains in its fight against Iran. Israeli political analyst Nimrod Flashenberg noted that Israel's primary goal may have been to downgrade Iran's military capabilities, which it has accomplished in a way that ensures long-term US commitment to maintaining this status.

Dario Fo, born 100 years ago, was a multifaceted genius who seamlessly blended politics and comedy in his works. As a dramatist, actor, director, and designer, he brought satire to the masses, achieving a global reach with plays like Accidental Death of an Anarchist and Can't Pay? Won't Pay!, which justly earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1997.Fo's background was marked by his involvement in wartime resistance against the Nazis in northern Italy, where he helped smuggle Allied soldiers across the border to Switzerland. His career in entertainment began with a weekly TV variety show that attracted huge audiences, but was abruptly ended due to his refusal to accept censorship.Fo's theatre company, Nuova Scena, gave the first performance of Mistero Buffo, his one-man show that satirized the Catholic Church. The show was condemned by the Vatican as 'the most blasphemous show in the history of television.'Fo's plays injected new life into political theatre, with Accidental Death of an Anarchist being a notable example. The play derived from a real-life case of a railway worker falsely accused of planting bombs and who 'fell' out of a police HQ window. The play's 2023 revival at the Sheffield Crucible, which transferred to the West End, showcased its timeless relevance, with Daniel Rigby's performance being 'breathlessly funny.'Fo's works provided actors with memorable roles, such as Griff Rhys Jones' virtuoso performance in Trumpets and Raspberries. His approach to comedy was rooted in tragedy, using laughter as a means to make audiences confront problems like cruelty, injustice, and oppression.Throughout his career, Fo faced significant harassment, including 45 prosecutions from the Italian police, and physical intimidation from both the Catholic Church and the Communist Party. Despite this, his legacy as a master of merging politics and comedy endures.

When future generations examine television trends, they might be surprised by the glut of dramatisations about famous men caught in sex scandals. Jimmy Savile and Prince Andrew have both received multiple treatments, and now, with almost crushing inevitability, comes Channel 5's Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards.Edwards, the high-profile BBC newsreader who resigned in 2024 before being charged with three counts of making indecent images of children, remains defensive. Prior to the broadcast, he released a statement claiming the drama is unlikely to convey reality while asserting: I am repelled by the idea that some people enjoy viewing indecent images of children.The drama earns its title by portraying a powerful man utilizing a queasy power dynamic to manipulate a teenage boy into fulfilling his sexual desires. While not the pinnacle of drama, the film succeeds in capturing a sickening feeling in the pit of your stomach.The main draw comes from its casting. Martin Clunes, known for roles that rely on his innate likability, creates an impressively accurate Edwards. He captures the fascinating mix of swagger and vulnerability, along with Edwards' distinctive accent and diction. Even during disturbing scenes, his performance never wavers.For much of the film, Edwards remains a figure of distant menace. Instead, this is really the story of Ryan (Osian Morgan), a teenage boy who finds himself being groomed by Edwards. The drama is constructed around first-hand interviews with Ryan (using a pseudonym to protect his identity), showing how Edwards validated his desire for connection before making the relationship transactional.Most powerfully, the film depicts the effect on Ryan's parents, as their dismay at his increasing waywardness first becomes anger directed at Edwards and then fear that they had become the bad guys.Still, the producers face challenges with a story that isn't visually interesting. Much of the relationship happened over text, meaning excessive time is spent watching people type or narrate messages. The film makes odd stylistic choices, including framing everything around the Queen's death and ending with Edwards reporting on his own charges.Edwards has promised to tell his side of the story, but as the reviewer notes, few will have the stomach to hear it when that day arrives.

James Garner has described this year as a defining moment in his career, and his recent first England call-up is a testament to his hard work. The 25-year-old Everton midfielder could make his international debut in upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.Garner had a clear goal at the start of the season: to showcase his abilities and prove himself. Despite facing challenges, including serious back injuries and Everton's relegation battles, he has emerged as an integral member of David Moyes's side, who currently sit eighth in the Premier League.His versatility, playing both as a central midfielder and right-back, and his expertise in set-pieces, make him a valuable asset. Garner expressed his satisfaction with the season's progress, stating, “I told myself at the start of the season that this season has to be the season that I can show everyone what I can do and I think so far I have done.”Having previously represented England at youth levels and winning the Under-21 European Championship in 2023, Garner aims to make a significant impact with the senior team. He shared his excitement about the opportunity, mentioning his family's pride, especially his father's, who is a Liverpool supporter.Garner's journey from Manchester United's youth ranks to Everton and now to the England squad highlights his determination and talent. As he prepares for a potential debut, he remains focused on contributing to England's success and hopes to win a trophy with the senior team.

The UK's green energy landscape is experiencing a significant shift as Jürgen Maier, the boss of GB Energy, joins other prominent renewable energy leaders in advocating for increased North Sea oil and gas production. This move comes as the UK government faces mounting pressure to address an impending energy cost crisis. Maier, in a social media post on LinkedIn, emphasized that while more North Sea oil and gas may not directly reduce energy costs, which have surged due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, it could bring substantial economic benefits, including more jobs and higher tax revenues. He described himself as “a supporter” of a well-managed energy transition that includes “all energy,” later clarifying in a separate post that he fully supports the government’s ban on new oil and gasfield exploration licences. Maier suggested that utilizing existing fields and tiebacks—allowing new deposits to be extracted from existing infrastructure—aligns with an 'All Energy' approach. This strategy, he argues, would give supply chain companies sufficient time to transition while renewables remain the long-term goal. The comments from Maier follow similar endorsements from other green energy leaders, such as Greg Jackson, the Octopus Energy boss, and Tara Singh, the new chief executive of RenewableUK. Jackson, who sits on the Cabinet Office board, told the Daily Telegraph that the UK needs more “sovereign energy,” which requires practical decisions, including leveraging North Sea resources. Singh argued that Britain should produce more energy “of every kind” and called for taking energy out of the culture wars. Despite these calls, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has ruled out new licences for the North Sea, though decisions on the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields, which were licensed under the previous government, are still pending. Industry sources expect these fields to be approved soon, potentially beginning production by the end of the year, which could provoke backlash from green groups. The government recently dismissed warnings from Offshore Energies UK that failing to produce more North Sea oil and gas would increase the UK's reliance on imports amid rising global instability. A government spokesperson stated that new licences would not enhance energy security or reduce bills, highlighting that oil and gas prices are set internationally. A Great British Energy spokesperson reiterated the company's focus on driving the clean energy transition to deliver a more secure and independent energy system. They emphasized that oil and gas will remain part of the energy mix for decades, and preserving the skills of oil and gas workers is crucial for a clean energy future.

Mohamed Salah's final game before announcing his departure from Liverpool FC was a fitting tribute to his legacy. In a match against Galatasaray, Salah scored a goal, showcasing the skills that have made him a legend at Anfield. Throughout his time at Liverpool, Salah has been part of two great trios: the forward line with Sadio Mané and Robert Firmino, and the right side with Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold. His ability to score goals and create chances has been crucial to the team's success. Salah's statistics are impressive: 255 goals for the club, third on the all-time list behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. He has scored in 10 games in a row, a club record, and has scored 20 or more goals in a campaign for Liverpool eight seasons in a row. His most important goal was probably the penalty that set Liverpool on their way to victory in the 2019 Champions League final. His greatest goal, however, was his solo run in the 2-2 draw at home against Manchester City in October 2021. As Salah leaves Liverpool, his legacy will live on. He will be remembered as a club legend, and his contributions to the team's success will not be forgotten.

Mohamed Salah has been a pivotal figure at Liverpool FC for nine remarkable years. His journey with the team has been marked by numerous accolades and memorable moments.As one of the most skilled players in the Premier League, Salah has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the field, earning him a special place in the hearts of Liverpool fans.This article, presented in pictures, takes a look back at Salah's glorious nine years at Liverpool, showcasing his contributions to the team's success.