Russel Brand/Johnathan Ross phone call in

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqt9rZR8pzk

In 2008 During the Russell Brand Show on BBC Radio 2, with Johnathan Ross as a guest they rang up Andrew Sach and got though to his voice mail where they then made several messages about his grand-daughter the first way talking about a false allegation of her sleeping with Russell Brand, this comment made by Johnathan Ross. The next two messages where meant to apologies however they made it worse. It resulted in the BBC getting fined by OFCOM £150,000, and Ross was suspended for 12 weeks without pay.

What, in your opinion, was the problem with this broadcast?

In my opinion, there where many problems with this broadcast, firstly being the fact that this wasn't alive broadcast it was pre-recorded meaning that the producers or regulators could of pulled it from circulation. However as we know this had knock on effects for both Johnathan Ross and the BBC being fined by the regulators  OF-COM. Another problem is the blatant harassment of an elderly man - where they named a family member and gave away private details. This was obvious from watching the video clip.

Why was this particular case of blatant disregard of OFCOM regulations highlighted?

I see this as a direct blatant disregard of OFCOM regulations, as BBC Radio 2 is recognized and known for it toned down, mature conversations, enter the Russell Brand show where offensive language was used to harass an elderly man (whether they classed it as light hearted banter at the time). An example of this is when Johnathan Ross said that Russell f**ked your grand-daughter.

What was hoped to be gained by OFCOM punishing BBC/Ross?

Ofcom as a regulator need to act upon these incidents so that the same or other broadcaster don't make these mistakes again, or feel they can get away with it this is why Ofcom fined BBC £150,000. This stamps out the problem this is done by many regulators in any industry - serious punishments stop issues like this occurring in the future.

Was it right to punish Brand/Ross? Why?

I feel it was right to punish them because it was a despicable action that they carried out, although I think a major blame was that the producers still let the show air later on - because they should of known that this did not co-hear to the regulations that OFCOM have set out.

What do you think should have happened to Brand/Ross?

As we know Johnathan Ross was put out of work for 12 weeks without being paid, this I feel was a justifiable punishment, however Russell Brand carries this image with him, the idea of him is that it speaks what he feels and raises controversial issues. However I feel that he should of been out of work like Johnathan Ross was.

Does this case highlight the need to regulate the media?

I feel it does highlight the need to regulate the media, this is because if without these regulating bodies the media would  be filled  with these type of controversial issues. It results in the privacy of people and also stops lies being spread in the media such as ASA which covers adverts they often stop adverts that promote a image that is not true.