Hereford Voice

Sunshine Radio in Breach Of Broadcasting Code in relation to gender identity during a broadcast on the 16th September 2019, 07:45 on the Paul Ellery in the morning show. Type of case: Broadcast Standards Outcome: In Breach Service: Sunshine Radio Date & time: 16 September 2019, 07:45 Category: Generally accepted standards Summary: This programme featured potentially offensive statements about gender identity which were not justified by the context. In breach of Rule 2.3 of the Broadcasting Code. Introduction Sunshine Radio is a local radio station serving Hereford and Monmouthshire with music, speech, local news and information. The licence for the service is held by Sunshine FM Limited (“Sunshine FM” or “the Licensee”). Paul Ellery in the Morning is a daily light-entertainment programme that includes discussions of news of the day. Ofcom received a complaint that a presenter talked in a mocking manner about singer Sam Smith coming out as non-binary,1. After playing a Sam Smith track during the programme, the presenter Paul Ellery said: 1. Stonewall defines the use of the term ‘trans’ as “An umbrella term to describe people whose gender is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with, the sex they were assigned at birth. Trans people may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including (but not limited to) transgender, transsexual, gender-queer (GQ), gender-fluid, non-binary, gender-variant, crossdresser, genderless, agender, nongender, third gender, two-spirit, bi-gender, trans man, trans woman, trans masculine, trans feminine and neutrois”. Ofcom considered that the material raised potential issues under Rule 2.3 of the Code, which states: We therefore sought comments from the Licensee about how the programme complied with this rule. Ofcom also requested information from the Licensee about the content on BBC News referred to in the programme. The Licensee could not find it. Response Sunshine FM described the programme as a live, unscripted “one man show” and stated that there was no production team or “backroom staff” involved in its broadcast. The Licensee said that the comment about Sam Smith’s gender was part of a “throw away short link” and was not intended to offend listeners. However, it added that after reviewing the programme, the presenter’s view was that his comment was “misjudged” and had the potential to have caused offence. Sunshine FM said that the presenter would not have deliberately sought to offend the LGBT community. It added that Paul Ellery had undertaken compliance and legal training, in addition to him attending daily meetings to review content. In response to Ofcom’s Preliminary View, which was to record a breach of Rule 2.3, the Licensee said that the presenter had resigned from Sunshine Radio. Ofcom also provided the presenter with the opportunity to make representations in this case but he did not provide any. Decision Reflecting our duties under the Communications Act 2003, Section Two of the Code provides protection for members of the public from harmful and/or offensive material. Ofcom takes into account the audience’s and the broadcaster’s right to freedom of expression set out in Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights when considering whether a broadcaster has provided listeners with adequate protection from offensive material in a programme. Ofcom has also had due regard in the exercise of its functions to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, to advance equality of opportunity and to foster good relations between those who share a relevant protected characteristic – such as gender reassignment – and those who do not. Rule 2.3 requires that in applying generally accepted standards, broadcasters must ensure that potentially offensive material is justified by the context. Context includes, but is not limited to, the editorial content of the programme, the service on which the material was broadcast, the time the material was broadcast and the extent to which the nature of the content can be brought to the attention of the potential audience (for example by giving information). Ofcom first considered whether the broadcast contained material which could be considered offensive. During the programme the presenter: repeated a remark he said he had heard from another source conflating Sam Smith’s gender and their sex at birth. In our view, it would have been clear to listeners from the presenter’s tone and the manner in which he was discussing this subject (“I can’t get over this...”) that he endorsed the discriminatory and dismissive remarks to which he was referring; and, referred to Sam Smith using the masculine pronouns “he” and “him” and said that they were “definitely a boy” despite the fact that it had been widely reported – and the story that the presenter was discussing referred to the fact – that Sam Smith was identifying as non-binary and had requested that people use the pronoun “they” when referring to them. We considered that these comments had the potential to cause offence as they sought to ridicule Sam Smith’s non-binary status. In addition, by referring to Sam Smith using the incorrect pronoun, the presenter appeared to ignore and undermine Sam Smith’s publicly stated gender identity. As set out above, potentially offensive comments and material can be broadcast, but the Code requires them to be justified by the context in which they are presented to the audience. Ofcom therefore went on to consider whether this content was justified by the context. Paul Ellery in the Morning is a daily light-entertainment programme which includes discussion of news of the day. Ofcom acknowledged that listeners would therefore be likely to expect a range of personal views across a variety of subjects, some of which may be contentious or attract strong opinions from the presenter. We recognise the importance of broadcasters, in line with the right to freedom of expression, being able to discuss issues surrounding gender identity, including those relating to people who identify as non-binary. However, when discussing sensitive issues, particularly those linked to people with protected characteristics, it is important sufficient context is provided so as to comply with Rule 2.3. In this case, the comments made by the presenter about Sam Smith were brief, which may have limited the potential for offence to some extent. However, they did not form part of a serious or considered discussion about issues related to gender identity and, at no point were his comments challenged, scrutinised or otherwise contextualised. Furthermore, the tone of the presenter’s comments was mocking, dismissive and flippant towards Sam Smith’s announcement that they were identifying as non-binary. Noting that we only received one complaint from listeners about the presenter’s comments, we considered that the above factors established the potential for the comments in question to cause offence. Given the strength of the presenter’s views on gender reassignment which had the potential to cause offence to listeners, and in particular, to members of the trans community, we considered that these comments were likely to have exceeded listeners’ expectations of content on this local radio station. We therefore considered that there was insufficient context to justify the potentially offensive references to Sam Smith’s gender. We acknowledged the Licensee’s position that the comments were not intended to offend listeners, and the presenter’s acknowledgement that they were “misjudged”. However, regardless of the intent, in our view the comments had the potential to cause offence for the reasons set out above. Ofcom was concerned by Sunshine FM’s submission that other than the presenter, no other members of a production team or “backroom staff” were involved in the broadcast of the programme. We acknowledged the steps the Licensee has taken to improve compliance prior to the presenter’s resignation, including the presenter undertaking compliance training and attending daily meetings to review content. However, given all of the above, our Decision was that the content exceeded generally accepted standards, in breach of Rule 2.3 of the Code. Breach of Rule 2.3

All Nurses are Super Heroes in our book. Happy #InternationalNursesDay #NursesWeek

£2 billion package to create new era for cycling, walking and trials for e-scooters Many countries throughout Europe already successfully use e-scooters but currently they are not legal here in the UK, (unless on private land) however, that may all be about to change... Lime is one of many company offering e-scooter rentals. Alternative ways to travel, such as walking and cycling, could relieve the pressure on public transport. largest ever boost for cyclists and pedestrians emergency bike lanes and streets will help support transport network trials of rental e-scooters to be brought forward to increase green transport options government working with leading tech developers to reduce crowding on public transport Far more people will be cycling and walking thanks to plans to boost greener, active transport, launched today (9 May 2020) by Transport Secretary Grant  Shapps . Pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements, safer junctions, and cycle and bus-only corridors will be created in England within weeks as part of a £250 million emergency active travel fund - the first stage of a £2 billion investment, as part of the £5 billion in new funding announced for cycling and buses in February. Following unprecedented levels of walking and cycling across the UK during the pandemic, the plans will help encourage more people to choose alternatives to public transport when they need to travel, making healthier habits easier and helping make sure the road, bus and rail networks are ready to respond to future increases in demand. The government will fund and work with local authorities across the country to help make it easier for people to use bikes to get around - including Greater Manchester, which wants to create 150 miles of protected cycle track, and Transport for London, which plans a “bike Tube” network above Underground lines. Fast-tracked statutory guidance, published today and effective immediately, will tell councils to reallocate roadspace for significantly-increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians. In towns and cities, some streets could become bike and bus-only while others remain available for motorists. More side streets could be closed to through traffic, to create low-traffic neighbourhoods and reduce rat-running while maintaining access for vehicles. Vouchers will be issued for cycle repairs, to encourage people to get their old bikes out of the shed, and plans are being developed for greater provision of bike fixing facilities. Many more will take up the Cycle to Work scheme, which gives employees a discount on a new bike. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: An updated Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy will be launched by the Prime Minister in the summer, with further measures to transform cycling and walking to deliver the government’s aims to double cycling and increase walking by 2025 – including: the creation of a national cycling and walking commissioner and inspectorate higher standards for permanent infrastructure across England getting GPs to prescribe cycling and exercise creating a long-term budget for cycling and walking similar to what happens for roads The government will also be launching a campaign to encourage more people to look at alternative ways to travel, to walk or get on a bike for their commute instead of public transport. Today, riders from Team Ineos, including Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas, will be telling people to #GetPedalling. Sir Dave Brailsford, Team Principal of Team INEOS, said: If ever there was a good time to get on your bike, it’s now. You will be helping take pressure off public transport. You will be looking after your health. You will be looking after the health of others and you will be helping the environment. Let’s all get pedalling and help Britain on the road to recovery. E-scooter trials will also be brought forward from next year to next month to help encourage more people off public transport and onto greener alternatives. Originally set to take place in 4 Future Transport Zones, the trials of rental e-scooters – which will now be offered to all local areas across the country – will allow government to assess the benefits of e-scooters as well as their impact on public space, with the potential to see rental vehicles on UK roads as early as June. Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands said: As the government aims to encourage people to choose greener forms of travel when the coronavirus restrictions are lifted, a further push is being made to encourage drivers to purchase an electric vehicle. An extra £10 million - double the current funding amount - is being committed to the on street residential chargepoint scheme which will allow local authorities to install up to 7,200 devices, making it more convenient to charge and own an electric vehicle.

Herefordshire Council are advising that it is already taking 2 hours to access the household recycling site, please consider whether your journey is essential. Do not visit unless it is essential Essential means you must only visit if waste or recycling cannot be stored at home safely or disposed of safely by other means. By this we mean the waste cannot be stored without causing risk of injury, health or harm. There is no other reason the journey will be considered a legitimate purpose for travel. If you can temporarily store your waste or recycling in a way that does not pose a risk to yours or others safety or human health, then you must do so. Do not visit the site if you or a member of your household are unwell, as you should be following the Government guidance on self-isolation. This means you should not visit if you are: Extremely vulnerable and are remaining at home for shielding purposes Symptomatic with coronavirus (COVID-19) In a 14-day household isolation The site is now open 8.00am to 6.00pm and 7 days per week.

A car crashed into the the end of a terraced house in New St Leominster just after 9pm last night. A very lucky escape for the family, a woman and two children who were in the property at the time but fortunately they were upstairs at the time of the incident and escaped unharmed. Leominster fire crews were quickly on the scene and the isolated electric and gas supply to make property safe while carrying out a structural assessment. Photo - HW Fire Leominster Leominster Crash Video.mp4 Video: Sunshine Radio

A Special Tribute to the Special Air Service on this 75th VE Day We thought we would create something to end this national day of celebration with a tribute to honour our local boys here in Hereford

Another lovely contribution from Nettie Hall near Bullingham Lane Hereford , thank you

Thank you Mervyn Pickard for this fabulous photo of Arrowsmith Avenue

Thank you Georgina Stevenson

Thank you Teressa Gittens

Bluebell Walk, thank you Lyndsey Paula

We have had these photographs of the bunting and flags that have been put up in various roads and streets in Hereford today and wanted to share them with you. How good on these! More photographs HERE Please add photos of your street

Isn't it brilliant Denise

Happy 94th Birthday to Sir David Attenborough, you continue to be an inspiration to us all.

Police Seize £20k of Cannabis from Van in Hereford The Police Operations Patrol Unit said:

On VE Day, 8 May 1945, King George VI expressed his relief that the war on the continent had come to an end in a speech to the nation, delivered from a bomb-damaged Buckingham Palace. The King's Speech #LestWeForget

Today is the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day or 'VE Day' when the Allies formally accepted Germany’s surrender, marking a significant date towards the end of the Second World War. These were some of the newspaper headlines from that special day; Daily Mail Daily Mirror Daily Telegraph Daily Express Photographs courtesy of the Press Gazette

Amazing work created by the Pupils at the Aconbury Centre on Ross Road (Part of Herefordshire Pupil Referral Service) showing their appreciation for all Key-Workers with this brilliant mural.

Hereford and Leominster household recycling centres reopen 9 May Restrictions will remain in place to ensure safety of public and staff Herefordshire Council will reopen Hereford and Leominster Household Recycling Centres for essential use only from Saturday 9 May. They will be open from 8.00am to 6.00pm every day The other Household Recycling Centres in Kington, Bromyard, Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye will remain closed for the time being, until available staffing resource will permit these sites to reopen as well. Government guidance will be followed to ensure our sites can safely operate, and strict social distancing measures will be in place to protect both the public and staff. Only limited numbers of vehicles will be permitted entry at any time so long queues and delays are likely. The government’s view is that household recycling centres play a critical role in the local management of waste, so making a journey to one is considered a “reasonable excuse” if a resident has difficulty safely storing unavoidable waste. Journeys to HWRCs must only be undertaken if your waste or recycling cannot be stored at home without causing risk of injury, health or harm, and cannot be disposed of safely by other means. If you can temporarily store your waste or recycling in a way that does not pose a risk to yours or others safety or human health, then you must do so. Social distancing measures mean staff cannot provide assistance, so please make sure you are able to unload your waste unaided. If you are able, take additional measures to protect yourself and others such as using gloves and have sanitary wipes to use in your vehicle. Anyone who is self-isolating or has Covid-19 symptoms must not visit a household recycling centre.Councillor Gemma Davies, Cabinet Member for Commissioning, Procurement and Assets, said: The council’s waste collection service will continue to prioritise the collection of general rubbish and recycling. You can manage your garden waste in the following ways: * Cut and Drop - Don’t collect grass cuttings unless you intend to use them for home composting, simply cut the grass without the collector on. * Create a compost heap - No matter the size of your garden you should have space for a heap. If not use a low cost home composter to keep the garden tidy. * Create a wildlife habitat or bug hotel with thick branches and wood. * Use a licensed garden waste disposal service. * Do not burn your garden waste, as the smoke can aggravate respiratory difficulties of those suffering from Coronavirus and other illnesses. Herefordshire Council also continues to offer a bulky item collection service. Please call 01432 260051 to make a booking. For more information please visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/recyclecentres

Co-operative Store and Petrol Filling Station, Holmer Road Hereford Plans have been approved with conditions for the proposed demolition of existing retail store/kiosk and car wash facility. Erection of replacement retail store/kiosk. South view illustration by archer architects East view illustration by archer architects Removal and replacement of existing petrol pumps and canopy, replacement of fuel tanks, re-configuration of car parking layout and installation of plant within an enclosure. Decision Notice.pdf

A wonderful aerial view of Hereford's Edgar Street football ground. The Merton stand was built in 1968 following the demolition of the old Edgar Street stand for road widening. The Len Weston was built in 1974. So does anyone know the history of this photo from our Old Hereford Pics archive and what year this could have been?

Check out this stunning sunset captured perfectly from Merbach Common Herefordshire. Photo courtesy of Tom Arnott Herefordshire is so beautiful, it is such a privilege to live in this most picturesque part of the world.

Contractor agreed for major expansion to Herefordshire primary school Image credit: Quattro Design Architects A £6million expansion of a popular Herefordshire school has taken a major step forward after a contractor was appointed to carry out the work. Herefordshire Council has signed a contract with builder Morgan Sindall Construction for the work to provide six new classrooms, a new hall and a special hygiene and physio room at Marlbrook Primary School at Green Croft. The school – rated Outstanding by Ofsted and which has experienced a significant rise in numbers in recent years – will also benefit from new netball courts and improvements to the car parking area. Councillor Felicity Norman, Herefordshire Council Cabinet member for Children and Families, and Councillor Gemma Davies, Cabinet member for Commissioning, Procurement and Assets, said they were delighted that the scheme was progressing. Head teacher Tracey Kneale said the announcement was much-needed good news in the midst of the coronavirus situation. Robert Williams, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: Work will start in compliance with all Government coronavirus regulations and the council has pledged to help keep disruption from construction traffic to a minimum for residents. Construction of the project – the capital funding for which was approved in November – is expected to take around a year.

Fire crews from Eardisley Fire Station with support from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service tackled a 25 acre bracken fire Fire well alight on Bredwardine Hill last night. Backpacks and beaters used to control and extinguish the blaze.

Man dies and two others injured after being attacked by water buffalo in Monmouthshire. It is believed that the animal went on the rampage on a farm near Usk, Gwent. A statement from Gwent Police said: According to a report in the Guardian; The richness of water buffalo milk makes it a popular ingredient in products ranging from mozzarella to ice-cream. Water buffalo are sometimes also introduced as part of conservation projects and have grazed since 2002 on the Teifi Marshes in Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales. The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales said that usually they posed no risk to humans.