[cma-l] Naughty word OK by Ofcom?

[Richard Berry]

Hi Phil

I totally agree. In my training to teams (and I've done this for 3 stations now and been asked for slides by a 4th) is that prevention is key.

Ofcom work on the basis that if someone complains then something else in the system might be wrong. So, if a song with a naughty word slips through then might the memo on bad language not have been sent? Or maybe worse?

In the case of Siren (A station I know to be managed by an experienced manager) they knew there was a problem and raised it first.  The narrative here seems to suggest that although they raised it, no-one else did and this is the gamble you take. You could show the system works by fronting up or hope no-one minds too much. A complaint might follow and whether knowing about and telling them or knowing about it and acting internally makes a difference only Ofcom can tell us that. Obviously, what you should never do is nothing. If the line is crossed, you need to take action.

Being open to Ofcom can help but sometimes there is a line where it makes no difference- http://radiotoday.co.uk/2013/03/ofcom-investigates-russ-williams-swearing/

My own take on this is that there should be no excuse to music with swearing in. It should never get anywhere near a broadcast studio. The presenter did apologise (as per the guidelines) but did not move on, which may have mitigated things if he had. In the case of Siren, there seems to be a concession that news is a live business and mistakes happen, which were apologised for and steps taken to prevent a re-occurrence.

I often get asked if being new to radio or a volunteer makes a difference and my stock response is 'no'. The rules are the rules and whilst there are times where those at fault should know better and are treated as such, community radio is no different. Thanks to Phil for posting this and sharing his take.

Merry Christmas

Richard

From: cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk [mailto:cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk] On Behalf Of Phil Korbel
Sent: 17 December 2013 11:30
To: CMA-L
Subject: [cma-l] Naughty word OK by Ofcom?

Dear friends

There's good learning to be had in the latest Ofcom Bulletin - comparing the fate of Halton Community Radio with Siren FM - both used the 'F-word' on air - one was in breach and the other 'resolved'.  We've a brief commentary here

http://www.communityradiotoolkit.net/news/the-f-word-ok-by-ofcom/

best wishes

Phil
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