Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. News
August 1, 2011

Radio 4 Today programme: Use of swearwords was editorially justified

By Dominic wireposts

According to the Sunday Express, Radio 4 is facing calls to curb swearing on the Today programme.

In front page report it noted that 8.10am on Friday, the words “bullshit” and “bastards” were  were repeatedly used in a report about the abuse levelled at academics research chronic fatigue syndrome (ME).

The Express quotes LBC radio presenter Nick Ferrari: “You would never have this grotesque use of words on commercial radio. There is no justifable reason for Radio 4’s decision.”

A spokesman for Today told the paper: “Emails including abusive language were included in the report to demonstrate the level of intimidation involved in the campaign. We felt this was editorially justified.

Topics in this article : ,

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Websites in our network