Talk Radio Hits Problems

Talk Radio has been criticised for the “shock jock” tactics of its presenters after the Radio Authority received complaints over bad taste and language.

Eight complaints were upheld in the first six weeks and the Radio Authority considered imposing financial penalties, but decided against after the station sacked one of its leading offenders, Wild Al Kelly, its night time presenter.

Talk Radio has encountered other problems with the resignation of Tracey Dollimore, the station’s UK sales controller. The latest set of Rajar figures, out yesterday, showed a disappointing start, with less listeners than expected. The target of 3 million over-estimated public interest. Figures show that in the first five weeks just 1.553 million adults tuned in.

New Sales director, David Lees, says that the station is conducting extensive qualitative research into listeners likes and dislikes and will shortly visit agencies with a new sales presentation. Jerry Thomas, the station’s new director of programmes said there would be no overnight changes, but conceded that “there was a lot to be done.”