Post by Teddy Bear on Oct 10, 2008 22:23:23 GMT
I really don't know what the term 'window licker' means, and what the connection is to disabled people, or as one BBC spokesman says - 'people with learning disabilities', perhaps somebody wil enlighten me. But it's derogatory to the BBC mindset and that's good enough for me.
Have a good weekend
Have a good weekend
BBC radio presenters suspended after mocking disabled people
Two BBC radio presenters have been suspended for using a derogatory term to describe disabled people live on air.
By Nicole Martin, Digital and Media Correspondent
Last Updated: 4:40PM BST 10 Oct 2008
Andrew Hawes and Ian Hart have been taken off the airwaves at BBC Southern Counties after using the term "window licker" during a football phone-in show.
Action was taken after Mr Hart told a football fan to "go and lick a window" during a row about Mickey Adams the manager of Brighton and Hove Albion.
His comment was followed by Mr Hawes urging "any window lickers out there" to call the show.
A Mencap spokesman said the charity was "appalled" that such "offensive language" was still being used.
"People with a learning disability are a valuable part of our society and it is a disgrace that they are treated as objects to make fun of," he said.
"We are pleased to see this was taken seriously by the BBC and hope that they discipline the presenters appropriately."
Mr Hart, 44, said he apologised "unreservedly" for his comments.
"In that split second I didn't realise the severity of what I was saying," he said. "I now know it was grossly inappropriate."
Mr Hawes was unavailable for comment.
A BBC spokesman said: "We want to issue an unreserved apology for the comments that have been made.
"The BBC takes this kind of issue extremely seriously and action is being taken."
Two BBC radio presenters have been suspended for using a derogatory term to describe disabled people live on air.
By Nicole Martin, Digital and Media Correspondent
Last Updated: 4:40PM BST 10 Oct 2008
Andrew Hawes and Ian Hart have been taken off the airwaves at BBC Southern Counties after using the term "window licker" during a football phone-in show.
Action was taken after Mr Hart told a football fan to "go and lick a window" during a row about Mickey Adams the manager of Brighton and Hove Albion.
His comment was followed by Mr Hawes urging "any window lickers out there" to call the show.
A Mencap spokesman said the charity was "appalled" that such "offensive language" was still being used.
"People with a learning disability are a valuable part of our society and it is a disgrace that they are treated as objects to make fun of," he said.
"We are pleased to see this was taken seriously by the BBC and hope that they discipline the presenters appropriately."
Mr Hart, 44, said he apologised "unreservedly" for his comments.
"In that split second I didn't realise the severity of what I was saying," he said. "I now know it was grossly inappropriate."
Mr Hawes was unavailable for comment.
A BBC spokesman said: "We want to issue an unreserved apology for the comments that have been made.
"The BBC takes this kind of issue extremely seriously and action is being taken."