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Jonathan Ross banned from live broadcasting
Last updated at 15:16pm on 22.05.09
The Radio 2 show of Jonathan Ross will no longer be broadcast live from tomorrow.
The BBC said the show would be pre-recorded “as live” every week. The move comes after Ross's three-month suspension over the Andrew Sachs lewd phone calls row.
Ross's live show had caused controversy when he made fun of an Ofcom adjudication condemning his conduct after it had been read out.
Complaints were also made about a jibe Ross made on his 9 May show which some listeners interpreted as being anti-gay.
Ross, 48, was “happy” about the new arrangements, the corporation claimed.
A BBC statement said: “Radio 2 has reviewed the way we make all of our programmes since the end of last year.
“Pre-recording Jonathan's show enables us to ensure the programme is watertight due to compliance whilst attracting the best guests.
“It's common practice to pre-record programmes and both Radio 2 and Jonathan are very happy with the plan as we've been discussing the matter for many weeks.”
Pre-recording interviews will also mean that international talent on UK promotional tours during the week will be able to appear on the weekend show.
The BBC also said that a competition on the programme would remain.
Ross has said that he was “mortified” people thought that he was being anti-gay when he suggested parents should put their sons up for adoption if they wanted a Hannah Montana MP3 player.
Listeners complained to the broadcasting watchdog, that the comments were homophobic. The high-earning star returned to the airwaves in January. Known for his irreverent humour, Ross also presents a chat show, Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, on BBC1, featuring music from Four Poofs and a Piano.
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Reader views (9)
Yes let's get rid of humour, sex, violence and anything else considered 'offensive' on TV and radio.
Oh what a better world it would be.
We could just have non-offensive cooking, gardening and religious shows 24 hours a day.
Fabulous!
- Robert Brett, Basildon, Essex, England
It's funny how the people who are so offended aren't even the ones who fit his demographic. I guess some people have nothing better to do than seek out the stuff they want to find offensive so they can fulfill their little lives.
- 888, London
I think he should have his pay cut. If he can't go out live, he's not fit to do the job, not for that sort of wage, anyway.
- Jane, London
Pathetic. Freedom of speech or no freedom of speech, which is it? I bet he could have a go at heterosexuals all day long! Why are people so insecure about their sexuality? They have the right to be offended!!!
- Matt, long beach, usa
The BBC are being hypocritical. His TV show is pre-recorded, yet still contains offensive and inappropriate comments - look at last night's show. That's it for me - won't be watching or listening to him any more. It's a shame, because aside from the smut I think he is very funny, a good talker very knowledgeable and has some good things to say.
- Maisy, Surrey, England
How sad I feel for all you pathetic souls who need to have their world rapped in cotton wool by the BBC.
- Mr M, NY
WAHEY!! Thank the Lord for that. In fact, can somebody forget to press the "record" button, so we won't get him at all?
- Suzanne, surrey
I enjoy JR much more on the radio, than I do on TV, but if he cannot control his "humour" with jokes and jibes that are offensive and go beyond what is light hearted banter, then surely he has to go. If you were employed to be "customer facing" but your boss had to go with you to check you didn't say something offensive you wouldn't still have a job - simple.
- Donna, Bristol England
Enough is enough. Why are the BBC so spineless? Just sack him!!
- James Brown, hammersmith, west london
