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Swearing no shock, says Cliff
10/08/2006 09:12 - (SA)
Beeld
Johannesburg - The broadcasting watchdog is "funny and remarkably prickly".
That is the opinion of Gareth Cliff, 5FM breakfast show DJ, in reaction to a statement by the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (Icasa) in their latest review (2004-06) that "some DJs" believe the only way to gain listeners was through crude language and jokes.
Cliff believes that there are DJs who swear to gain the
favour of teens.
"Unfortunately people think because I did a couple of cheeky things in the past, I swear on air. I don't think Icasa's remark was directed only at me."
Cliff says his programme is "definitely" not based on crude remarks or jokes.
"I believe language is a mighty tool and that crude language - although it should rather be avoided - is a reality to most young people. Our generation is very straightforward."
He said it was important to him to get a conversation going in the morning to help people start off their day on a positive note.
Cliff believes cursing would not have any impact. "It's not so shocking anymore."
He believes people listen to his programme because it's "real".
"It is not a fan club. It is a community of people who do their thing together in the mornings."
Icasa considered the following complaints about Cliff over the past two years: An interview he did with "Jesus", a sex joke about former US president Bill and senator Hillary Clinton, a remark that L Ron Hubbard (the late father of Scientology) might be the father of actress Katie Holmes's baby, and whether the use of the term "moffies-t" would be a violation of the broadcasting code.
Khahliso Mochaba, Primedia Broadcasting's manager of regulatory affairs, said the success of 94.7 Highveld Stereo's Rude Awakening show was based on its ability to address its audience.
"Crude language is not part of the recipe," she said.
- Beeld
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South Africa
