Brainy Posted 10 May 2008 Posted 10 May 2008 link Radio host James Whale has been fired by Talksport after urging listeners to vote for Conservative candidate Boris Johnson in London's mayoral elections. The comments were made on 20 March during his late-night programme. A Talksport spokesman said: "James Whale's contract with the station has been terminated after a breach of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code." Under Ofcom rules, presenters are banned from showing any bias towards a political party before an election. The Talksport spokesman described the matter as "very unfortunate". "We have investigated the matter and after serious consideration, the station reached the decision that there was a clear breach of the rules and that we had no choice but to terminate his contract," he said. "Talksport has acknowledged the seriousness of the complaints received, does not excuse the content of the broadcast and has told Ofcom that it has taken steps to prevent this happening again." The matter was being investigated by Ofcom, he added. The presenter's agent Stuart Hobday said Whale was "deeply disappointed". "He's spent 13 happy years at Talksport," he said. "He's saddened at the way this has happened and it's come as a huge shock." Ofcom have confirmed they are investigating the case. A statement said: "Ofcom is currently investigating three complaints about comments made by James Whale during his show on Talksport. "All UK broadcasters must adhere to the Ofcom's Broadcasting Code which sets standards for the content of television and radio broadcasting. "In particular, broadcasters must ensure due impartiality is preserved on matters of major political or industrial controversy and major matters relating to current public policy." Whale, 56, started his career at Metro Radio in Newcastle in 1974 and had his own late-night show on ITV in the early '90s, The James Whale Radio Show. He had been with Talksport since it launched in 1995 as Talk Radio. He considered standing for London mayor in 2006. "Under Ofcom rules, presenters are banned from showing any bias towards a political party before an election. " Agree with that? It's a shame for me as i've listened to him for three years and his shows have been really enjoyable. I can understand sacking him though, he broke the rules and he knew fully well that he couldn't show any bias towards a politcal party.
Joe. Posted 10 May 2008 Posted 10 May 2008 It may be a shame, but he knew the rules and he broke them.
Ultra Posted 10 May 2008 Posted 10 May 2008 link"Under Ofcom rules, presenters are banned from showing any bias towards a political party before an election. " Agree with that? It's a shame for me as i've listened to him for three years and his shows have been really enjoyable. I can understand sacking him though, he broke the rules and he knew fully well that he couldn't show any bias towards a politcal party. He knew what he was doing, and probably did it for the publicity. He'll be back in radio, soon enough.
SamL Posted 10 May 2008 Posted 10 May 2008 It's a bit unfair I suppose, but he obviously knew the consequences before he did it. I liked the bloke, hopefully he'll be back on the radio soon.
Jay Posted 11 May 2008 Posted 11 May 2008 It's a bit unfair I suppose, but he obviously knew the consequences before he did it. I liked the bloke, hopefully he'll be back on the radio soon. he signed a contract with Bid TV the dodgy TV auction site to sell food processors, mops and wonder wipes instead!!! no seriously he has!! BBC
Shrenchel Posted 11 May 2008 Posted 11 May 2008 Yeah, usually don't endorse any infrigement on free speech but I agree they shouldn't be allowed to encourage voters right before an election. Someone could say something about a candidate that simply wasn't true, you can't reserect that mistake later because thousands of people have already gone to the polls influenced by what you said. Geezer was a **** anyway.
Brainy Posted 11 May 2008 Author Posted 11 May 2008 he signed a contract with Bid TV the dodgy TV auction site to sell food processors, mops and wonder wipes instead!!!no seriously he has!! BBC I cant really see that lasting long.
Ultra Posted 20 May 2008 Posted 20 May 2008 I always thought Danny Baker was better. Yeah, the beeb should get him back onto 606. It's never been the same since he left.
thecannon Posted 20 May 2008 Posted 20 May 2008 To be honest, i don't really give two sh*ts. No offense!
placidcasual Posted 21 May 2008 Posted 21 May 2008 Yeah, the beeb should get him back onto 606.It's never been the same since he left. Apparently he is doing a few shows during Euro 2008.
Nationwider Posted 21 May 2008 Posted 21 May 2008 Apparently he is doing a few shows during Euro 2008. If this is true, it's excellent news. Baker was a hundred times better than anyone who has followed him on 606. As for Whale, I can't stand the guy. Granted, I've not listened to him for years, but he used to come across as an utter bigot.
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