Former BBC presenter Jack Murley is claiming £48,000 in compensation after being sacked over ‘deeply inappropriate’ radio segments
Jack Murley was taken off air by the BBC in 2023(Image: X/ @jack_murley)
A BBC presenter has claimed he thought he was acting within the broadcaster’s guidelines after being dismissed for “inappropriate” radio content. Jack Murley worked at BBC Radio Cornwall from 2019 until being removed from the airwaves in 2023.
He was based in Truro until a “heated conversation” with his manager regarding his social media activity. Jack maintained he was “acting within the BBC’s social media guidelines”, an employment tribunal was told.
He had posted his opinions on social media from 2022 onwards about the BBC’s Local Value For All project, the Mirror reports. Concerns were also raised about his radio slot, Loosest Goose, which was a comedy programme featuring innuendo.
During the disciplinary meeting, it was branded as being “deeply inappropriate” and “Well beyond innuendo.” A BBC senior news editor told the tribunal it had been a “clear and straightforward decision” to consider the case as “gross misconduct.”
Jack said he would have been prepared to make changes to his show or “undertake training” to keep his role. He informed the tribunal that if issues had been flagged, he would have taken action to resolve them.
The broadcaster is seeking £48,000 in damages. The BBC stated they dismissed Jack from his role following a “heated conversation” with his line manager.
However, Jack claimed the dispute arose from his social media usage. A BBC Wales senior news editor attended the hearing and explained that social media posts were regarded in the same manner as a broadcast.
Jack Murley’s tribunal continues(Image: BBC)
Tomos Livingstone branded the Loosest Goose as “awful” and informed the hearing it “shouldn’t be broadcast on radio Cornwall at midday on a Sunday.”
The editor said Jack “should have had the knowledge and experience to be compliant with the guidelines.” He noted that it had been a “clear and straightforward decision” to consider the case as “gross misconduct.”
Livingstone claimed the BBC viewed Jack as too much of a “risk” to the corporation. Jack’s disciplinary hearing went to appeal and the hearing manager maintained the decision.
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BBC Northern Ireland director Adam Smyth explained the corporation must “be sure that our presenters are trustworthy.” Mr Smyth informed the tribunal that Jack was “effectively working off grid.”
Jack revealed to the tribunal he had several examples of managers endorsing his innuendo in his radio show. The ex-presenter argued that following 13 years with the BBC, it wasn’t “reasonable” to depart immediately after no prior concerns.
He questioned how he was supposed to recognise the show had violated guidelines and declared: “I thought I was in the right. I think there was a way back, I wanted to stay at the BBC, I loved the BBC.” The tribunal carries on.