UK radio breached rules over king’s death announcement, says officials

UK media watchdog Ofcom has ruled that community station Radio Caroline breached broadcasting rules after accidentally announcing the death of King Charles III in a May broadcast.

According to Punch Newspapers, the error occurred when a staff member played pre-recorded death-announcement files “out of curiosity” during studio maintenance, followed by the national anthem and about 16 minutes of silence.

Ofcom said the “very significant inaccuracy” and delayed on-air correction, made 30 minutes later, breached rules requiring accuracy and prompt acknowledgement of mistakes. The station said the staff member involved was reprimanded.