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‘Jonathan uses F-word, it’s v funny’
Evening Standard21.11.08
This is the transcript of the email Dave Barber, Radio 2's head of compliance, sent to Lesley Douglas the Radio 2 Controller on 16 October:
"Russell is pre-recorded this week with Jonathan Ross as his co-host. Jonathan uses the Fword 52 mins into the first hour in a sequence about Russell 'fucking' Andrew Sachs's granddaughter. They are speaking into Andrew Sachs's answer machine at the time, and it's very funny - there then follow more calls to the answer phone in the second hour, again v funny.
"Having discussed it with the producer and listened to the sequence, I think we should keep in and put a 'strong language' warning at the top of the hour. I think it is editorially justified in this context and certainly within audience expectations for Russell's show and the slot. Certainly preferable to bleeping, which would make it obvious anyway (and we don't bleep now for this reason). Jonathan also apologises and Russell's shocked reaction is hilarious. Andrew Sachs is aware and is happy with the results which were recorded his end for him to hear. Are you happy with this as a plan of action?"
The report says "the controller was away from her office on business and did not respond that day".
The following day at 12:22pm, the report says, "the controller sent a one-word reply from her Blackberry authorising inclusion of the material - 'Yes'."
Reader views (3)
You must be educationally sub-normal to find the F word inherently funny. It's quite difficult to be funny as a lot of real comedians will attest. People who find swearing funny for it's own sake are unlikely to be too discerning and will lap up the dreary fodder Jonathon Ross and co dish out. I don't think he is necessarily untalented but has become lazy and stupid as a result of his huge salary and inability to get himself sacked regardless of how horribly he behaves.
- Penny Subbotin, Twickenham
No worries about any of this lot turning on the Bond Street lights then!
- Jack Thompson, London
If toast could talk, this is what it would sound like.
- Bloke, London
