A new book aimed at radio presenters has been published – to help them not get into trouble with the law.
‘Hang The DJ?’ is written by industry stalwarts Paul Hollins and Paul Chantler, who tell us the book features real-life examples of things that have gone wrong in the past on UK radio stations.
It covers laws of defamation, libel and contempt and includes tips on how to avoid legal problems when reading out things from newspapers and off social media websites.
Smooth Radio breakfast presenter Simon Bates has written the foreword for the guide and says: “Even if you’ve been in the business for years, you still need to be reminded of the horrors that could await you and of the quicksand that could open and swallow you after an unguarded word or five. This book might just serve as a saviour the next time you’re tired and tempted to go one step beyond.”
Paul Hollins – who runs syndication firm Blue Revolution and is a former presenter on stations including Capital, BRMB, Key 103 and Galaxy, told RadioToday.co.uk: “The aim is to give broadcasters the knowledge and confidence to avoid similar mistakes. The law is increasingly complicated and it’s vital presenters know what they can and cannot do.”
Co-writer Paul Chantler – a consultant and former PD for The Wireless Group, talkSPORT, Essex Radio and Chiltern Radio – added: “As a presenter, a misplaced word or two can lose you your job, put your boss in prison and cause your radio station to pay thousands of pounds in damages. This is important stuff.”
Hang The DJ? is available as a paperback version as well as a PDF download and a Kindle version. Find out more here.