BBC tightens rules after Ali G radio outburst

The BBC has tightened guidelines on live interviews after comedian Ali G uttered expletives and made jokes about sex and smuggling…

The BBC has tightened guidelines on live interviews after comedian Ali G uttered expletives and made jokes about sex and smuggling drugs during Radio One's breakfast show.

The Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC) criticised the BBC for the lack of editorial control during the February 18th interview with the spoof "gangsta rapper", whose real name is Mr Sacha Baron Cohen.

During the broadcast, Baron Cohen swore, joked about smuggling drugs in his body and made a lewd joke about singer Ms Jennifer Lopez.

His outburst prompted DJ Sara Cox to apologise to listeners both during and after the interview.

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The BSC upheld 13 complaints about the broadcast, saying it was wholly inappropriate for broadcast at a time when significant numbers of children might have been listening.

The BBC released a statement yesterday saying it would step up its scrutiny of interviews that air at such times. It said presenters have been told to cut off guests if they ignore warnings about their behaviour.