BBC Radio Devon has taken swift action against one of its presenters following controversial on-air comments that have sent shockwaves through the broadcasting community.
James Dundon, who hosted the popular afternoon show on the station, has been permanently removed from his position after making inappropriate remarks about a female colleague during a live broadcast. The incident occurred during what should have been a routine segment, but quickly escalated into a professional crisis.
The Controversial Broadcast
During his Tuesday afternoon programme, Dundon made comments about a fellow BBC employee that were immediately flagged as inappropriate by listeners and station management. While the exact nature of the remarks hasn't been officially disclosed, sources indicate they crossed professional boundaries and prompted immediate internal concern.
A BBC spokesperson confirmed the seriousness of the situation, stating: "We take matters of this nature extremely seriously. Following an internal review, James Dundon will no longer be presenting his show on BBC Radio Devon."
Immediate Fallout and Replacement
The broadcaster moved quickly to address the situation, with Dundon's scheduled Wednesday programme being abruptly pulled from the airwaves. In his absence, the station deployed seasoned presenter Neil Sterling to helm the afternoon slot, ensuring continuity for listeners.
This isn't the first time Dundon has faced controversy during his broadcasting career. The presenter was previously suspended from his role at Plymouth's BBC Radio Devon in 2022, though details surrounding that earlier incident remain unclear.
Industry Reaction and Broader Implications
The incident has reignited discussions about professional conduct in live broadcasting and the boundaries of on-air commentary. Industry observers note that the swift action taken by BBC management reflects the corporation's increased sensitivity to workplace conduct following recent high-profile scandals across the media landscape.
Local listeners have expressed mixed reactions to the news, with some calling the dismissal an overreaction while others have praised the BBC for taking decisive action to maintain professional standards.
The station has confirmed that Neil Sterling will continue to present the afternoon show for the foreseeable future as management considers long-term replacement options for the popular time slot.
