BBC DJ loses job over racist word

 

A veteran BBC local radio DJ has lost his job after playing a song on his golden oldies show containing a racist word.

BBC Radio Devon DJ David Lowe, 68, said he was unaware that a 1932 version of The Sun Has Got His Hat On included the n-word.

Mr Lowe, a broadcaster for 32 years, said it was an "innocent mistake".

He said BBC bosses declined his idea of an on-air apology, and his offer to "fall on my sword" was accepted.

The BBC said it accepted that the situation could have been handled better, and offered Mr Lowe his job back.

'Political correctness'
 
But the DJ said the incident had exacerbated a stress-related condition and he would not be returning to the corporation.

The second verse of the song, recorded by the UK dance band Ambrose and his Orchestra, features the line: "He's been tanning [n-word] out in Timbuktu, now he's coming back to do the same to you." Later versions of the song omit the offensive word.

The BBC took action after a listener heard the song broadcast on Mr Lowe's Sunday night programme and complained.

Mr Lowe told BBC News he had written an "unreserved apology" for use on air which he submitted to BBC managers after the song was played on 27 April.

"I offered to apologise or to fall on my sword," he said. "Unfortunately the BBC decided on the latter option. I don't have any quarrels with any of my colleagues. It's the system of political correctness which has turned this into a rather badly-handled affair.

"I think we're all too ready to bow to political correctness. One feels one is following a verbal tightrope, even in casual conversation."

Mr Lowe added: "I made a silly mistake, my first error in more than 30 years of broadcasting. I am deeply embarrassed by it."

He said a health problem which caused tremors in his limbs had been exacerbated by the "stress" of the situation.