Gaunt to challenge Ofcom over 'Nazi' jibe
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A radio presenter who was sacked after calling a councillor a "Nazi" and an "ignorant pig" live on air is today challenging Ofcom's decision to uphold complaints against him.
Jon Gaunt, who made the comments on his Talksport radio show in November 2008, is taking judicial review proceedings against the media watchdog at London's High Court.
The case arises out of an interview by Gaunt with councillor Michael Stark about Redbridge Council's decision to ban smokers from becoming foster parents.
Mr Stark defended the decision on the basis that the welfare of young children should outweigh the needs of foster families.
But Gaunt, who was in care as a child, accused his interviewee of being a "Nazi", an "ignorant pig" and a "health Nazi", arguing that children in care would be deprived of the chance of finding a foster home under the new policy.
Gaunt claims his fundamental right to free speech and to criticise a professional politician was infringed.
But an Ofcom spokesman said that its role was to decide whether a particular broadcast was in breach of generally accepted standards in the Broadcasting Code.
"In this particular broadcast, Ofcom decided that Jon Gaunt went too far with offensive language and a bullying style."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments