Ofcom has imposed a £10,000 financial penalty on Radio Ikhlas Limited, after material broadcast on its community radio station broke rules. Radio Ikhlas is a community radio station broadcasting to the Asian – primarily Pakistani – community in the Normanton area of Derby.
Our investigation found that during a current affairs ‘phone-in’ programme on Radio Ikhlas, the presenter made several statements which we considered were abusive and derogatory to the Ahmadiyya community. We concluded this was a serious breach of the Broadcasting Code, which warranted the imposition of statutory sanctions. These include a financial penalty and a direction to the broadcaster to air a statement of Ofcom’s findings on a date – and in a form – to be determined by Ofcom. The fine of £10,000 takes into account the seriousness of this breach, while recognising the steps the station has taken to ensure future compliance with our rules, and the station’s resources. The fine will be paid by Radio Ikhlas Limited to HM Paymaster General. says release.
SOURCE:Ofcom