Greatest Hits Radio in breach for offensive language during Ewen and Cat at Breakfast

Ewen and Cat at Breakfast on Greatest Hits Radio Scotland have been given a breach from Ofcom for a live interview which contained offensive language.

The incident occurred on September 10, 2024 when comedian Ford Kiernan used explicit language even after being told he was live on the radio and children are listening.

The interview started at approximately 08:25: “Delighted to have showbiz royalty in the studio. Still Game’s very own Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill. They’ve got their coffee. I’ve had a word with Ford. We’re on live radio, mate. We’re live radio. Children are going to school…”

Soon after, Ford Kiernan said: “When this book is finally released and it’s released very soon… the wean in Scottish school that you speak of can get their own wallpaper like we used to do at school and wrap the fuc*ing thing up”.

His comment was followed by laughter, before Ewen Cameron apologised, saying: “My apologies for Ford’s language there”

Then Ford Kiernan said: “No, we’re not actually live, are we? That’s desperate. I thought it was a prerecord. I do apologise. My language there”.

He later stated: “One minute he tells you he’s recording. The next minute he tells you he’s not recording. Watch your language. He raises an eyebrow at me as if to say, ‘will you please say a swearword?’”

Towards the end of the interview, Ewen said: “Apologies for the language from my guests this morning…”

Despite immediate apologies from the host and the guest, Ofcom concluded that the station violated Rule 1.14 of the Broadcasting Code, which prohibits the most offensive language during times when children are likely to be listening.

Bauer said that Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill “have been trusted guests” on this programme on many occasions and that “as the stars of Scotland’s biggest comedy show, the duo is well-known and loved by audiences of all ages across the nation”.

The Licensee said that there had been “numerous interviews featuring Ford and Greg across live radio and TV over the last two decades. They have always been extremely popular and compliant live guests, with no issues or complaints in past appearances on Ewen’s show, across the Bauer network, or with the BBC and other commercial outlets”.

Bauer added that “it is standard practice to pre-record all interviews” but that given the guests “are considered ‘friends of the show’ by the breakfast team” and taking into account “the respect we have for our guests”, it “did not anticipate any offensive language”.

The Licensee said that “the offensive language [in this programme] was not anticipated”. It stated that “despite pre-broadcast warnings, inappropriate language was used live on air”.

In response to the breach, Ofcom has reminded all broadcasters of their responsibility to adhere to the Broadcasting Code and to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent the broadcast of offensive language.