Radio presenters resign over distasteful comments

Two Forge Radio presenters have resigned after joking about the murdered Baby P and making distasteful comments about disability on their radio show this week.

Maen Gallagher and Joe Markham began to discuss the death of Baby P early in their Tuesday show, ‘Maen and Joe’, at about 2pm.

Gallagher then suggested that they put on a jolly song to follow the conversation. Markham joked that it would be bad taste to play ‘Mr. Brightside’ by The Killers.

Gallagher said that there was no such thing as bad taste.

After playing the song, they went on to discuss the number of Facebook groups about Baby P.

In response, Gallagher said: "This is why Facebook is so fucking ridiculous."

The presenters, who both study Biblical Studies, were also required by Forge Radio to read out an advert on the show to raise awareness for the University of Sheffield’s’ Disability Awareness Week.

While reading the advert, the pair criticised the way it had been written. Gallagher said: "Well, they are dyslexic."

As the show continued, the pair debated issues that the Disability and Dyslexic Students’ Forum might campaign for, including better disabled access.

Markham said: "There is nothing worse than when you are sat in a pub all day and you have to go to a cash point and you have to go up some stairs."

Confusion arose when Gallagher said that this was why they should support dyslexic students within the Union of Students.

When asked whether she had meant disabled, Gallagher suggested that by using a lift it would give dyslexic students a rest and "give them time for their brains to grow."

Ben Kennard, Station Manager of Forge Radio, has apologised on behalf of the station.
He said: "It is a great shame that the show in question thought it was acceptable to produce such content.

"Any views or opinions expressed by presenters do not represent the views of the station and we do have a disciplinary system in place should broadcasting standards be brought into question."

National Grid, who sponsor Forge Radio, were also criticised by the pair this week.

Markham said: "I am slightly embittered about National Grid – I used to work for them."

While the two played a song they were instructed on behalf of the Forge Radio committee to apologise on air, which they did.

Gallagher said in a statement: "I regret what happened and my way of showing that was through my resignation - there’s nothing further I can do about it.

"I apologise for my comments about dyslexic students.

"It was intended as a ridiculous and outlandish joke, but it was a mistake and I would hate to think that I have upset or offended anyone."

The station has confirmed that they would have sacked the two presenters had they not resigned.

Joe Allen, Secretary of Forge Radio, said: "I would like to express the station’s disappointment. It was an incident I do not wish to see repeated again.

"We take full procedures so this sort of thing is avoided. Each week the committee review every show and all presenters are warned about defamatory statements and are given training."

Charlotte Chelsom-Pill