Radio Caroline Breached Ofcom Rules with False King Charles Death Announcement
On 19 May, Radio Caroline, an offshore pirate radio station established in 1964, violated UK broadcasting regulations by incorrectly reporting the death of King Charles III during the Barry Marsh Show. The station aired three pre-recorded obituaries falsely stating the King's demise, followed by the national anthem and a 16-minute silence. A correction was issued 30 minutes later. Ofcom determined that the station breached Rule 5.1 and Rule 5.2, labeling the erroneous announcement as a 'very significant inaccuracy.' The error arose when a staff member, driven by curiosity, accessed the pre-recorded files. That individual faced disciplinary action, and the files were subsequently moved. Only two complaints were filed with Ofcom, and the station operates entirely with volunteers.
Key facts
- Radio Caroline breached Ofcom rules after mistakenly announcing King Charles III's death.
- The false announcement aired on 19 May during the Barry Marsh Show.
- Three pre-recorded obituary announcements were played, followed by the national anthem and 16 minutes of silence on DAB+.
- Ofcom ruled the incident breached Rule 5.1 (due accuracy) and Rule 5.2 (correction of significant mistakes).
- The mistake occurred when a staff member accessed pre-recorded obituary files out of curiosity.
- The presenter did not realize they were off air because they were streaming remotely.
- A correction and apology were broadcast 30 minutes later.
- The staff member was reprimanded and obituary files were moved off the studio desktop.
- Radio Caroline is 100% volunteer-led and received only two complaints.
- Radio Caroline was founded in 1964 as an offshore pirate station and broadcast from a ship until 1991.
Entities
Institutions
- Radio Caroline
- Ofcom
- BBC
Locations
- United Kingdom
- Kent
- Essex