Hey everyone, Firstly, as I hope you've all seen, IC Radio is back up and running now as normal - please let Oli know if you notice anything strange or peculiar in the aftermath of our brief shutdown at technical@icradio.com<mailto:technical@icradio.com>. So what happened? Yesterday morning the college received a serious complaint about offensive material on an IC Radio show, stating "defamation of character" as their primary objection to the programme. The offending show has since been taken off the website, and the presenter has been informed of the situation, and we are dealing with it appropriately in conjunction with the Union. Just a little bit about the legality of what defamation is and how it affects us: "Defamation comprises an untrue imputation against the reputation of individuals, companies or firms, which serves to undermine that reputation in the eyes of right thinking members of society generally, by exposing the victim to hatred, contempt or ridicule. Defamatory material published on the radio amounts to libel and damages can be awarded without the need for the claimant to prove specific loss. " What this means for us is that we can make statements of fact provided that we have evidence to support them, and express opinions under the heading of "fair comment" (i.e. - "He's really irritating" is preferable to and more acceptable than "He's the world's most annoying person and absolutely toxic") without being subjected to legal proceedings. (On a side note, it is also preferable for everyone to speak English on their shows, so that in any situation like this we are always able to understand exactly what is being said!) I want to use this opportunity to remind everyone that they are responsible for what they (or anyone else on their show) says on air. IC Radio and Imperial are NOT responsible for what happens on your show, and you will be the one to take the heat should an event like this happen to you. Obviously, something like this could really hurt the reputation of the establishment, so IC Radio will always help in these situations, but just be aware that ultimately it is you that will take the blame, not the station. We understand that these things occasionally happen, and so, if you think that there is something a little dodgy on a show you've done then let me know and I'll take the show down. Anyway, scary bit said, radio is back up and running as normal - just everyone, please be aware when broadcasting that our shows are accessible by anyone from anywhere. Also, have lots of fun - don't let something like this scare you off doing your banterous shows! Thanks, and I'll be in touch gain soon with a more general and cheery update of station news! Lots of radio love, Ashlynn Station Manager @ IC Radio 2011-12