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28|10|08

Brand probe

Ofcom has launched an investigation into the Russell Brand show broadcast on BBC Radio 2.

The show featured the presenter – together with guest Jonathan Ross - leaving a series of messages on the answer phone of Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs.

The BBC has subsequently apologised for the ‘unacceptable’ calls, which were made on the show broadcast on 18 October.

The BBC Trust has also ordered an on-air apology to licence fee payers for breaches of BBC editorial guidelines, as well as other action.

Broadcasting Code

It said editorial control and compliance procedures in non-news areas of the BBC's Audio and Music department were ‘inadequate and need to be strengthened’.

Ofcom has received 1,900 complaints about the show and these are now being investigated under the Broadcasting Code.

All UK broadcasters must adhere to this code, which sets standards for the content of television and radio broadcasting. The code also deals with issues such as fairness and privacy.

If we find a programme has broken those rules, then it will be found in breach of that code.

Complaints

We will also, in serious cases, consider further action.

Every fortnight we publish a Broadcast Bulletin which includes our latest adjudications into complaints we have received about TV and radio programmes.

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