Sacked TalkSport presenter James Whale returns to radio

by Nikki Sandison Brand Republic 13-May-08, 10:35

LONDON - Controversial presenter James Whale has joined Play Radio UK following his sacking from TalkSport for urging listeners to vote for Boris Johnson as London mayor.

Whale will be given a platform to express his views and opinions freely with a series of shows to be broadcast on the live station Play Two UK, part of the Play Radio network, from May 20.

He will be broadcasting live on the internet, which doesn't have the strict regulations that FM-based stations have, giving him more freedom.

TalkSport sacked Whale, who had been with the station for 12 years, for breaking media watchdog Ofcom's political impartiality rules when he urged viewers to "vote Boris".

Marcus Quilter, network manager at Play Radio, said: "The excessive regulations enforced in FM Talk shows continue to restrict free speech and opinion in the UK. Internet radio opens the doors to presenters like James Whale inviting them to discuss everything and anything.

"James is finally unshackled, unleashed and ready to bite back -- and literally anything could happen."

The shows will be broadcast live on Play Two UK every Tuesday evening from May 20 at 6pm, and will be available as downloadable podcasts.

Whale will also be joining shopping channel Bid TV from May 19 in an evening slot.