Talk in breach after radio guest drops a C-bomb before lunch

Ofcom has found Talk in breach after a listener said the C-word during a mid-morning show last September.

The ruling relates to a programme broadcast on radio and television hosted by Alex Phillips on 11 September 2025, when a guest used the word “c***” during a live discussion about political violence and online rhetoric.

Ofcom said the word was among the most offensive language and should not be broadcast on television before the watershed. It noted the remark was made at 11.44am and was not followed by an apology, despite the presenter appearing taken aback.

The regulator accepted the term was quoted from a social media post and was editorially relevant to the discussion. However, it concluded this was not sufficient justification for its broadcast at that time of day, particularly without stronger mitigation or a clear warning to the audience.

News UK Broadcasting Limited, which holds the Talk licence, said it regretted any offence caused and described the language as unexpected. It said a warning was given by the guest, the presenter clarified the remark was a quotation, and internal procedures had since been reinforced.

In conclusion, News UK said that its programmes are of little appeal to children, and confirmed the segment had been removed from catch-up services.

Ofcom ruled the programme breached Rule 1.14 on the broadcast of the most offensive language before the watershed and Rule 2.3 on the need for potentially offensive material to be justified by context.