Betar Bangla Radio rapped for 53 swears in kids show

Community radio station, Betar Bangla Radio has been rapped by Ofcom for broadcasting a show targeting children featuring up to 53 swear words.

A complainant alerted Ofcom to a music track being played in this programme which included offensive language. The complainant also concerned that this programme, which aired in February, was apparently being presented by two children.

This 50 minute programme was presented by a child presenter who was accompanied on air by a child guest. During the programme they recounted a range of jokes and riddles to each other and also played various music tracks. During the programme at approximately 14:23 a listener called in to request an urban music track, “My Mind is Gone” by Meek Mill, which the presenter then played. During the song there were:

– 14 instances of ���fuck�۝ or ���fucking�۝
– 10 instances of ���shit�۝
– 28 instances of ���nigger�۝
– 1 instance of ���bitch�۝

Betar Bangla Radio expressed its ���sincere apologies�۝ for this ���very unfortunate lapse on our part�۝ and also accepted that the programme breached Rules 1.14 and 1.16 of the Code. However, it pointed to the fact that this was the first occasion it had breached the Code.

In reaching this Decision, we noted Betar Bangla�۪s acceptance that on this occasion it had failed to ensure ���on air monitoring by a duly delegated station adult�۝. Ofcom also noted the various steps that the Licensee had taken to improve compliance including:
ceasing ��phone-in�۪ programmes involving children; approving all music tracks prior to broadcast; and ensuring that while children are presenting programmes there would always be an adult monitoring the ���children�۪s on air presence�۝.

However, for the reasons above, Ofcom considered that the Licensee failed to take due care over the physical and emotional welfare and the dignity of the child presenter and child guest. Ofcom was particularly concerned that, in this case, two young children were left to broadcast and interact with the audience without supervision.