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Talk radio host James Whale fired for Boris endorsement

06/05/2008

Radio talkshow host James Whale has been sacked by Talksport for publicly endorsing the London mayoral campaign of Boris Johnson.

The outspoken presenter urged listeners to cast their vote in the London elections in favour of the Conservative candidate, breaching official broadcasting guidelines in the process.

Whale, who had presented phone-in shows for Talksport since its launch in 1995, made the comments during his late-night show on March 20th.

Though Mr Johnson ended the London mayoral election as the victorious candidate, Ofcom guidelines prohibit presenters from expressing political preference in the run-up to an election.

A spokesman for the station said the termination of Whale's contract was "very unfortunate".

"We have investigated the matter and after serious consideration, the station reached the decision that there was a clear breach of the rules and that we had no choice but to terminate his contract," he said.

"James Whale is guilty of a gross error of judgement, which we found to be totally unacceptable.

"Talksport has acknowledged the seriousness of the complaints received, does not excuse the content of the broadcast and has told Ofcom that it has taken steps to prevent this happening again."

Stuart Hobday, the presenter's agent, said his client was "deeply disappointed" at his sacking.

"He's spent 13 happy years at Talksport," he told the BBC. "He's saddened at the way this has happened and it's come as a huge shock."

Ironically, Whale considered standing for London mayor in 2006, reportedly to represent the UK Independence party.