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Viewers confused after BBC iPlayer accidentally adds sensitivity warning before children’s series Brum

BBC confirm ‘the label was added in error and has been removed’

Louis Chilton
Thursday 24 September 2020 11:23 BST
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Children's series 'Brum' first aired from 1991 to 1994 on the BBC
Children's series 'Brum' first aired from 1991 to 1994 on the BBC (Ragdoll Productions)

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BBC iPlayer viewers were left confused when the BBC issued a disclaimer before innocuous children’s series Brum warning of outdated “language and attitudes”.

The broadcaster has since confirmed that the warning was added by accident.

A spokesperson said: “The label was added in error and has been removed from Brum on BBC iPlayer.”

Brum, which originally ran from 1991 to 1994 (before a revival in 2001-2002) follows a sentient vintage car as it gets into low-key adventures around Birmingham.

The BBC’s pop-up warning read: “This series was originally aired in the 90s and early 00s and may reflect the language and attitude of the time.”

Such warnings have become more common in recent months, as arguments over racial and cultural insensitivity in historical programmes have gained traction.

However, viewers were quick to make light of the BBC’s slip-up, with many cracking wise on social media.

 “I put this on for my son about 20 minutes ago and was amused by this notification,” wrote one Twitter user.

“Turns out he is terrified of Brum, so it should have perhaps had a horror warning on it instead!”

“Oh look, it’s the popular TV anti-hero Brum,” wrote another person, alongside a photograph of the pop-up message.

“Who’s out here trying to cancel Brum?” asked another commenter.

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