Joni Lamb, the CEO of Bedford-based Daystar Television Network, made her first public remarks on Monday following the firing of her son earlier this month. This decision came after a 15-month assessment of his performance and his refusal to comply with a detailed performance improvement plan. In an interview last week, Jonathan Lamb claimed that he was removed from the network's board and his vice presidency in April 2023 due to his refusal to sign a non-disclosure agreement. He felt that it would essentially put him in a perpetual gag order.

Family Division and Religious Disputes

Joni Lamb explained in her video that the death of her husband, Marcus Lamb, had led to a division within the family. Jonathan was deeply disappointed not to be named the future president after his father's passing. His disappointment only grew when she married Doug Weiss, who has been a great blessing to her, the family, and Daystar. Jonathan Lamb stated that a rift developed between him and his mother due to his religious objections to her marriage. The Christian Post reported that Weiss filed for divorce from his previous wife two months after Marcus Lamb's death.

Details of the Performance Improvement Plan

The performance improvement plan that Jonathan Lamb was put on before his termination included several points. The third point focused on social media, stating that he should refrain from posting comments on his or Suzy's blogs and social media without obtaining written approval from the CEO or a trustee. This included refraining from discussing his reassignment, the plan itself, Daystar leadership's decisions, or his or Suzy's appearance on programs. The fifth point pertained to Joni Lamb's marriage, emphasizing that Jonathan had expressed religious objections to it. However, Joni Lamb affirmed her religious convictions in her video, stating that they stand firm in their faith and believe that God is with them through the present challenges.

Daystar Television Network's Reach

Daystar claims to have over 100 television stations in the US and is available on nearly every major cable and satellite provider worldwide. The network is registered as a church and adheres to a statement of faith posted on its website. It airs shows by major evangelical pastors such as Kenneth Copeland and Joel Osteen. This extensive reach and influence make the internal family disputes within Daystar a significant matter.Adrian Ashford covers faith and religion in North Texas for The Dallas Morning News through a partnership with Report for America.

The beloved international children's television show, The Smurfs, is all set to make a grand comeback to S4C. Under their Welsh name, Y Smyrffs, this marks the first time in four decades that these little blue characters will grace the Welsh screens. The Welsh-language channel has secured a license to broadcast the animated series from the owner Peyo Company. It will be dubbed in Welsh by the production company Cwmni Da and will be shown on S4C starting from spring 2025.

Rediscover the Magic of The Smurfs on S4C

History and Global Appeal

The Smurfs first came to life in a comic book in 1958. Since then, they have been entertaining kids and families across the globe for generations. Their blue faces and charming personalities have won the hearts of millions. Whether it was through the original comic books or the various animated adaptations over the years, The Smurfs have remained a cultural phenomenon.Even in the present day, the 2021 animated series of The Smurfs is airing worldwide on Nickelodeon and local free-to-air channels. It is also available on Netflix, ensuring that the magic of The Smurfs reaches a wide audience.

The New Announcement

A new Smurfs movie produced and distributed by Paramount Pictures/Nickelodeon Animation and starring Rihanna as Smurfette has recently been announced. With a July 2025 worldwide theatrical release, this is set to be a major event for fans of The Smurfs. It will bring a fresh perspective to the beloved characters and introduce them to a new generation.The acquisition of the license by S4C and the dubbing of the series in Welsh will make it accessible to a wider audience in Wales. It will allow children in Wales to enjoy the adventures of The Smurfs in their own language.

Impact and Significance

The return of The Smurfs to S4C is not just a matter of entertainment. It holds significant cultural value for Wales. It showcases the country's love for international children's shows and its commitment to providing quality content in Welsh. It also provides an opportunity for Welsh production companies like Cwmni Da to showcase their skills and contribute to the local media landscape.Moreover, the popularity of The Smurfs among children and families around the world is a testament to the power of good storytelling and animation. It shows that even after 40 years, these little blue characters still have the ability to capture the imagination and bring joy to people of all ages.