Ofcom upholds Gaunt 'Nazi' complaints

Ofcom has upheld listener complaints made last November when presenter Jon Guant called a local politician a "Nazi" and "an ignorant pig".

A total of 53 people contacted the regulator to complain about Gaunt's interview with Redbridge councillor Michael Stark regarding plans to introduce a no-smoking policy for foster parents, the Press Gazette reports.

Gaunt apologised on air after the incident, but was fired by TalkSport following an internal investigation.

TalkSport told Ofcom: "The interview fell way below the acceptable broadcasting standards that TalkSport expects and demands as a radio station.

"[TalkSport] totally accepts and regrets that the language was offensive and that the manner in which the interview was conducted was indefensible."

Ofcom said: "The overall tone of Jon Gaunt's interviewing style on this occasion was extremely aggressive.

"Ofcom considered the language used by Jon Gaunt, and the manner in which he treated Michael Stark, had the potential to cause offence to many listeners."

The regulator opted not to fine the broadcaster, but said that the incident may be used as evidence if there is a further breach of the rules by the station.