SEAN BOLGER

The online radio revolution gathers yet more pace this week with news that The Sun is to launch its own talk radio channel in April. Sun Talk is part of a £1m investment in video & radio services at News International’s best-selling daily tabloid and headlining the schedule will be former Talk Sport presenter, Sun columnist and general tub-thumper of the parish, Jon Gaunt.  Now, while some will be quick to dismiss the venture as either a marketing ploy or perhaps an attempt at breathing new life into Gaunt’s colourful radio career, I think this could mark the start of a bold new synergy between print and radio that may end up posing a significant challenge to traditional broadcast outlets.

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It’s been quite a week - what with Gollygate, the collapse of Project Kangaroo and yesterday, an unedited profanity on BBC Breakfast that left viewers choking on their toast. However, the highlight for me was hearing internet radio’s potential to become a viable alternative to FM move another step closer with the launch of Wight FM on the Isle of Wight. 

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You could be forgiven for thinking that a cabinet minister had resigned yesterday after being caught with his pants down. But in fact, this morning’s front pages all carry doorstep pictures of former BBC political reporter John Sergeant, who’s "decided" to quit the ballroom dance contest Strictly Come Dancing in spite of a tidal wave of pubic support. The big question is: was he leaned on?

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The media press today is full of news about Jon Gaunt’s sacking from national talk station Talk Sport. In a nutshell, during an interview on air about Redbrige Council’s plans to ban placing foster children with parents who smoke (indoors, outdoors or anywhere else for that matter), Gaunt called the council official "a nazi". All hell broke loose and the station received 48 complaints. Yes, 48 complaints from a recorded audience of around 2.5 million.

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