The real Jon Gaunt surfaces.

[Davy Affleck]

A radio host who called a councillor a "Nazi" live on air has lost a legal bid to challenge Ofcom's decision to uphold complaints against him.

Jon Gaunt, who made the comments on Talksport in 2008, said the watchdog's stance was an unlawful interference with his freedom of expression.

Ofcom censured the presenter under its rules on offensive material, after receiving complaints from the public.

Mr Gaunt won permission in January to take action against Ofcom.


Ofcom received 53 complaints over Mr Gaunt's interview with Redbridge councillor Michael Stark, which took place in November 2008.

The pair had been debating the council's decision to ban smokers from fostering children when Mr Gaunt called Mr Stark a "Nazi", a "health Nazi" and an "ignorant pig".

Mr Gaunt apologised on-air following the exchange, but Talksport sacked the presenter after its own investigation.

The media regulator noted the apology, but in June 2009 upheld the complaint under the rules regarding offensive material.

Mr Gaunt's lawyers argued that Ofcom infringed Mr Gaunt's right to free speech under article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and won the right to take the case to judicial review.

But at London's High Court on Tuesday, Sir Anthony May and Mr Justice Blair dismissed the proceedings.

Sir Anthony said Ofcom was justified in its conclusion.

"The broadcast was undoubtedly highly offensive to Mr Stark and was well capable of offending the broadcast audience," he said

"The essential point is that the offensive and abusive nature of the broadcast was gratuitous, having no factual content or justification."


Mr Gaunt was refused permission to appeal although he can renew his application directly to the Court of Appeal.

Human rights group Liberty, which intervened in the case because of its "wider importance to free speech", said Mr Gaunt and his legal team intended to challenge the ruling.

Ofcom's chief executive Ed Richards, in a statement released after the court's decision, said: "We were perfectly happy for this case to be taken to court to review the way in which we interpret our statutory duties.

"We are very pleased that the High Court has recognised that we came to the right decision in this case. This is a thorough endorsement of our judgment in what was a difficult case."



http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainmen ... 611110.stm

[Ben Hunter]

The real Jon Gaunt surfaces, two years ago, on his own show.

[James Robinson]

Gaunt's on Radio 5 now trying to defend himself.

A pathetic attempt really.

[John Bosley]

I trust we will not have to put up with that bigot in DC again.

[James Robinson]

I trust we will not have to put up with that bigot in DC again.

I wouldn't be that certain.

[Charlie Reams]

I trust we will not have to put up with that bigot in DC again.

I wouldn't be that certain.

Indeed.

[Chris Davies]

My dad has just suggested Rolf Harris as a DC guest. Good idea, I reckon.

[Michael Wallace]

My dad has just suggested Rolf Harris as a DC guest. Good idea, I reckon.

Only if he performs this.

[Martin Bishop]

What is Jon Gaunt's normal stance on the Human Rights Act? I have a feeling it's not "what a wonderful piece of legislation designed to protect the everyday freedom of all".

[Alan Clark]

My dad has just suggested Rolf Harris as a DC guest. Good idea, I reckon.

Coincidentally, in one of Gaunt's books for subchavs he lists Rolf Harris in his top ten Brits.
It would be unfair not to share it, and no, I'm not making it up;



The Queen
Barbara Windsor
Cliff Richard
Henry Cooper
Bruce Forsyth
Joanna Lumley
Alan Sugar
Richard Branson
Lorraine Kelly
Rolf Harris

[John Bosley]

I would not say they are all Brits.
There is more I would say about most of them but I can't be arsed.

[Oliver Garner]

Coincidentally, in one of Gaunt's books for subchavs he lists Rolf Harris in his top ten Brits.
It would be unfair not to share it, and no, I'm not making it up;



The Queen
Barbara Windsor
Cliff Richard
Henry Cooper
Bruce Forsyth
Joanna Lumley
Alan Sugar
Richard Branson
Lorraine Kelly
Rolf Harris

No place for Churchill, Brunel or Bevins then, eh.

[Brian Moore]

No place for Churchill, Brunel or Bevins then, eh.

I think Jon Gaunt's list only includes people who are nominally still alive, though I'm not sure what other qualities they share, other than displaying the depth of Jon Gaunt's thinking.

[Gavin Chipper]

No place for Churchill, Brunel or Bevins then, eh.

I think Jon Gaunt's list only includes people who are nominally still alive, though I'm not sure what other qualities they share, other than displaying the depth of Jon Gaunt's thinking.

Bevins is dead?

[Liam Tiernan]

No place for Churchill, Brunel or Bevins then, eh.

I think you meant either Ernest Bevin or Aneurin Bevan. No wonder Kirk is always complaining about people spelling his name wrong.