BBC Radio Presenter Resigns in Protest Over Use of Racial Slur in News Segment
A BBC radio presenter has stepped down after the broadcaster aired a news report containing a racial slur, sparking backlash and accusations of insensitivity.
The presenter, known professionally as Sideman, announced his resignation via Instagram, stating that he could not remain associated with the corporation in light of the incident. He described the inclusion of the offensive term in the report as “a slap in the face to our community” and expressed frustration that the BBC had not apologized.
The controversial segment in question reported on a violent attack against a young Black man in Bristol. According to reports, the assailants allegedly used the slur during the assault, and BBC decided to include it verbatim in their coverage to convey the severity of the incident. However, the decision drew strong criticism from listeners, advocacy groups, and media commentators.
The BBC defended its editorial choice, saying it provided adequate warnings about disturbing language and images, and argued that including the slur was necessary to accurately reflect the nature of the racist attack.
Sideman’s exit adds to growing calls for media organizations to reconsider how they handle language depicting hate and racial violence. Those debates have centered on the balance between journalistic transparency and the risk of amplifying harmful language.
His resignation serves as a high-profile protest against what he and others view as editorial misjudgment, and underscores rising tensions over how broadcast media report on race, language, and offense.