BBC sacks veteran DJ after 32 years for playing The Sun Has Got His Hat On. . . because he accidentally played original version which includes the N word David Lowe, 68, gave 32 years of service to the BBC as a local broadcaster But he lost his golden oldies show on Radio Devon for innocent mistake Mr Lowe innocently played a 1932 version of The Sun Has Got His Hat On He didnt realise that the original version features the N-word One listener complained, and Mr Lowe offered to apologise on air But the BBC refused and insisted that he fall on his sword by quitting By IAN GALLAGHER FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2625248/BBC-sacks-DJ-playing-The-Sun-Has-Got-His-Hat-On-didnt-know-original-features-N-word-Clarkson-wasnt-fired-actually-saying-it.html PUBLISHED: 22:13, 10 May 2014 | UPDATED: 11:03, 11 May 2014
Sacked: David Lowe, who has 32 years service with the BBC, lost his job for playing The Sun Has Got His Hat On
The BBC was accused of âappallingâ double standards last night after forcing a veteran DJ to quit after he innocently played an old version of The Sun Has Got His Hat On which featured the âNâ word. David Lowe was ordered by bosses to âfall on your swordâ â even though Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson kept his job when he appeared to mumble exactly the same racist term. Mr Lowe lost his job after playing a 1932 version of the song, performed by Ambrose & His Orchestra, on his Sunday night golden oldies show on BBC Radio Devon. Unknown to Mr Lowe, a popular presenter who has spent 32 years with the BBC, the second verse features the line: âHeâs been tanning n****** out in Timbuktu, now heâs coming back to do the same to you.â The BBC took action after just one listener complained to say he was âhorrifiedâ by what he heard. But last night the Corporation faced a storm of protest over its treatment of the 68-year-old host, who had immediately offered to apologise on air when he realised his âgenuine errorâ. Friends and colleagues rallied to his support, while fans used Twitter to express their incredulity. Roy Corlett, Mr Loweâs former boss at BBC Radio Devon, said: âTo end Davidâs career in this way when Clarkson was given a rap on the knuckles is absolutely appalling. It is an outrageous way to treat a loyal and distinguished employee. You couldnât wish to meet a nicer man.â...........