REDBRIDGE: Radio host sacked after 'Nazi' councillor jibe

5:20pm Tuesday 18th November 2008

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A RADIO station has decided to sack one of its presenters for calling a Redbridge councillor a "Nazi".

TalkSport host Jon Gaunt was suspended earlier this month after making the comments during an interview with head of Children's Services Cllr Michael Stark during a debate on the council's new policy to ban foster carers from smoking.

And yesterday the decision was made by officials at the station to terminate his contract with immediate effect.

Cllr Stark told the Guardian he was "very happy" with the decision, but said he had "no feelings towards Mr Gaunt either way."

He added: "The director kindly rang me yesterday to tell me. He said he though it was unacceptable and apologised personally to me.

"It was a decision I left for the radio station, they've taken that decision and I'm very happy with it.

"I have no feelings towards Jon Gaunt either way. I was a teacher for many, many years so I've been used to dealing with lot of difficult people in my life."

Responding to claims that council leader Alan Weinberg was being hypocritical by pushing through an anti-smoking policy when he himself smoked, Cllr Stark said: "I don't think Cllr Weinberg is thinking of fostering children, but i'm sure he would be a wonderful parent if he did decide to, as he has been all his life."

A spokesman for the radio station said: "TalkSport yesterday terminated presenter Jon Gaunt's contract following an interview with Redbridge Council's Cllr Michael Stark on Friday November 7.

"The decision follows an internal TalkSport investigation that was instigated following complaints about the content and nature of the broadcast. The radio station has apologised to the councillor for the manner in which the interview was conducted."

Ian Collins, who replaced Gaunt during the investigation, will continue to host a show in his place for the time being, the spokesman added.