A false announcement about King Charles III’s death has resulted in two Ofcom Broadcasting Code breaches for Radio Caroline.
Following two complaints, the regulator found the station breached Rules 5.1 and 5.2 after three pre-recorded announcements were broadcast on 19 May, stating that the King had died and that normal programming was being suspended.
The statements were followed by the national anthem and around 16 minutes of silence. At approximately 2.35pm, presenter Barry Marsh apologised, saying the information had been broadcast “in error” and was incorrect.
Ofcom said the announcement was a “very significant inaccuracy” because the health and wellbeing of the monarch is a matter of very high public interest.
It also highlighted the repeated statements, the claim that news media had confirmed the death, and the playing of the national anthem.
Radio Caroline explained that a staff member carrying out maintenance on the studio computer had opened three pre-recorded files prepared for use following the death of the monarch.
The files were accompanied by strict instructions, but were played out of curiosity, interrupting the presenter’s remote stream.
The station said the member of staff was reprimanded and apologised. The relevant files were subsequently removed from the studio computer and placed on an external drive, while presenters and support staff were reminded of procedures.
Ofcom said the apology came approximately 30 minutes after the inaccurate announcements and was not sufficiently prompt or clear about the nature of the error. It concluded that Radio Caroline was in breach of both Rule 5.1 and Rule 5.2.
