Well, the headline will cause outrage and get clicks...
Fireman Sam isn't being "axed", it's still on the tele. it's just no longer being used by ONE county's fire department as a mascot for recruitment.
With regards to the TV program however, I have had two observations from watching it with my son:
1. Why is he called "Fireman" Sam, and all everyone else called "Firefighter insert name here" etc. Seems a bit inconsistent.
2. Is it just me, or do these shows try to make thing subtly dirty for fun. I mean: Pontypandy? And Thomas is set in Titsmarch or something like that. And who of a certain age could forget Captain Pugwash with Master Bates and Seaman Steynes?
And James Bond won't be a woman FFS (hint: it's in the name). Stop being suckers.