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Radio DJs criticised for promoting binge drinking

Radio DJs criticised for promoting binge drinking

Radio presenters have been criticised for glorifying binge drinking in a report commissioned by the Department of Health.

 

Researchers at Bristol's University of West England discovered that 73 per cent of comments regarding alcohol consumption encouraged it.

 

A further 13 per cent of these discussions promoted excessive drinking, the researchers found.

 

The study analysed 1200 hours of broadcast time, across six radio stations and BBC Radio 1 and Kerrang Radio were cited as the two worst offenders.

 

Particular criticism was aimed at Radio 1 breakfast presenter Chris Moyles, with the report stating that he: 'often speaks of his own drinking habits and they don't set any kind of example.'

 

Radio 1 refuted claims that they encourage irresponsible drinking. 'We don't agree that our presenters encourage a culture of drinking,' said a Radio 1 spokesperson.

 

'In fact, throughout this week we have run a high-profile campaign asking listeners to think about the amount of alcohol they drink and how it could affect their health, looks and behaviour.'

 

 

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  • Author: Tom Downey.

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Reader Response

Added: Tuesday, 9 September 2008 19:21 BST
Kelly Richmond, Leeds, United Kingdom

Anyone who listens to Radio 1 (like I do) will know that presenters like Chris Moyles often talks about his own lifestyle choices, for example, drinking. However, this doesn't mean he is glorifying binge drinking - in fact, he has worked hard this year to lose weight through healthy eating and exercise and also reduced how much alcohol he drinks.

In the last few weeks, Radio 1 on a whole have presented a range of reports highlighting the unwanted affects of alchol and binge drinking. As a student paediatric nurse, I feel they've raised important issues that teenage listeners will actually take notice of. Instead of talking about the effects of alcohol in later life, they've highlighted the short-term and unattractive aspects of drinking - aspects that are important to adolescents.

So, I feel this news article in which Radio 1 is singled out is greatly unfair when you consider the hard work put in lately by various presenters, who have in my opinion, successfully raised the ugly side of drinking to a large audience of impressionable listeners.


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