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Utter Resources

If you currently have or plan to have a show on Utter Radio these resources are available so that you can learn more about what you may need to know when having a show.

Utter Studio Help Videos

These video's should be able to guide you through how to operate the Radio Studios.

Utter style guide

There are some rules if you want to present a show on Utter Radio. We do not wish to be to prescriptive, but it is important that the station upholds professionalism and ascribes to accepted codes and conventions used across the radio industry. The station is, of course, YOURS … however, it is facilitated by the University of Salford and, as such, should not impact adversely on the institution’s ethical and/or editorial standing.

1. Strong Language
This is to be avoided and used only when contextually relevant and justified. While there is no
watershed on radio, the industry operates on a ‘trust’ basis. As such, check your scripts/recordings
and, if there are any references that you feel would not be heard on daytime television (which does
have a watershed) then either remove this content – or speak to your station manager who will liaise
with station’s academic facilitator (Gary Morrisroe).

2. Representation
Representations of ethnicity, class, gender, disability, sexuality, religion, physical appearance need to
be carefully considered. Programmes are not to denigrate or promote hatred towards any groups or
individuals based upon any of these categories. Moreover, denigration of any kind is not permitted.
However, ‘fair comment’/‘honest opinion’ can be expressed (particularly by contributors – see point 3
below) about the behaviours of, say, public figures or ‘people in general’ providing this is considered
and balanced and felt to be ethically, editorially and tonally in context with the content of the
programme. If you have any concerns about your content then either remove this content – or speak
to your station manager who will liaise with station’s academic facilitator (Gary Morrisroe).

3. Defamation (libel)
Building on point 2 above, your programmes are not to bring into disrepute or lower the overall
standing of individuals. Broadcasting, like print media, is considered ‘publication’. As such, if you
use words that could damage the reputation of an individual, this could be libellous. Content can be
considered libellous if there is any suggestion of criminal activity, dishonesty, fraud, hypocrisy,
immorality, lack of professionalism, incompetence, failing in a duty, sexual impropriety and bullying.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. However, ‘fair comment’/‘honest opinion’, can be expressed -
but do bear in mind that comments such as these must be clearly identified as an opinion and they
must be based on facts that are true ( ‘fair comment’/‘honest opinion’ cannot be used as a defence
when someone making a comment gets their facts wrong).

4. Contempt
If you are commenting on a court case that is in the news you must be careful not to broadcast any
material which could prejudice the outcome of the case (ie. influence the listener’s – or indeed a
jury’s - opinion of the defendant). You must not, on social media, use pictures, video or descriptions
‘where identity is at issue’ (i.e. the defendant is denying the offence completely and the prosecution
are calling for eyewitnesses. Those eyewitnesses will be involved in an ID parade and must rely on
their memory of the crime, not your publication). Do not assume guilt of a defendant (such as
reporting that the arrested person is the one who committed the crime). Do not engage with
‘character assassination’ – ie. damaging a defendant’s name/standing which could prevent a jury from
trying him or her fairly.

5. Key On-Air Messages
Go to Mixcloud or the podcast page on the website to listen again to all Utter Radio’s programmes. Follow Utter Radio on Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube at UtterRadio . You can listen live via utter-radio.co.uk and via TuneIn.

If you have any other enquires please visit the Contact Us page.