BBC DJ Learns a Big Lesson...Maybe

Radio is an extremely powerful, and useful tool, but when used improperly, it can be dangerous. Everyone remembers here in the USA Orson Wells' War of the Worlds where radio incited panic and created genuine fear in listeners who did not hear the disclaimer that it was just a story. Even someone like Don Imus who slandered the entire Rutgers women's basketball team. DJ's have to be very careful to not say anything that could offend, or scare anyone. Now, a new BBC DJ can be included on that list of people using radio, irresponsibly.

Danny Kelly of BBC West Midlands, which broadcasts across...you guessed it, the West Midlands in England. According to their website, Kelly has a "unique brand of humour", with the caption, "you never know what will happen next, but it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face."

Apparently, this number didn't put a smile on the face of listeners and BBC execs.

Danny Kelly's listeners were told that his "important announcement" was that Queen Elizabeth II had died. The joke was apparently targeted at a listener's facebook, but was not well received by anyone.

BBC decided to suspend Kelly for one week without pay and apologized for the inappropriate comment.

Radio reaches a lot of people still, but we can't just go on and say whatever comes to mind. Just like when you speak one on one, you have to be responsible about what you say, because they could affect or impact someone else.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/bbc-dj-danny-kelly-suspended-for-queen-death-joke-1976209.html