DJ slams stations for encouraging staff into studios

A RADIO presenter claimed leading music stations in Scotland are “promoting the spread of coronavirus” by encouraging their staff to broadcast from office studios. Robin Galloway contacted the Record after penning an open letter to Scottish radio. The Pure Radio presenter said yesterday: “It pains me to be that person but I’m unable to keep counsel any longer. “Nearly every radio station in Scotland is promoting the spread of coronavirus by encouraging their staff to attend their studios. “The Government edict is ‘work from home’ if possible – and I’m here to tell you – radio from home in 2021 is 100 per cent possible. “Pure Radio Scotland has protected its staff during this lockdown as it did the last, with all presenters broadcasting all shows from home – if the new kids on the block can do it there’s no excuse for these established radio heavyweights not to.” Galloway’s attack led to responses from other presenters and under-fire broadcasters. He said: “Far be it from me to name names but I can tell you that the majority of market-leading commercial radio stations in Scotland are failing to protect their staff by allowing them to broadcast from their studios, when their entire output could easily come from home.”

Radio presenter Garry Spence defended his decision to work from Bauer Media’s Scottish HQ in Clydebank.

The Sunday Mail columnist and DJ, who networks his show to Clyde 1, Radio Forth, Tay FM, Northsound 1, Moray Firth Radio, Radio Borders and West FM listeners, said: “The studios I work in are a national broadcast centre and we’re in near isolation.

“We have our own studio, our own microphones, our own headphones, the building is deep cleaned every afternoon at 3pm and you can’t move for Perspex screens.

“I couldn’t really feel safer.”

A Bauer Radio spokeswoman said: “We broadcast remotely where possible and practical as the health and safety of our presenters and staff is of paramount importance.”

Dunoon Community Radio presenter Sammy Gillan said: “Every presenter here does their shows from home. If we can do it anybody can.”

Global, which has a raft of stations including Capital Scotland, was approached for comment.