Namibia: Radio Wave’s ‘Waking Crew’ suspended

Loyal Radio Wave listeners, who tuned in yesterday morning to listen to their favourite ‘shock-jock’ duo – the Waking Crew’s Jarret Loubser and Christine ‘Mossie’ Mostert – were instead met with a sombre announcement from station manager Margaret Loubser stating that the Waking Crew had been suspended pending an internal investigation. It has been difficult to get an official version of events, but The Namibian has managed to piece together yesterday’s events from sources close to Radio Wave.

According to these sources, Jarret Loubser, who is known for his often controversial statements, made an on-air comment that women who wore short dresses and skirts were asking to be raped.

The station was inundated with calls from outraged listeners and irate advertisers calling for the Waking Crew to be removed from the air.
Margaret Loubser, who is married to Jarret, was placed in the difficult position of having to suspend her own husband.

She declined to confirm or deny rumours about why the two had been suspended, instead releasing the following statement: “Unfortunately the Waking Crew passed certain remarks this morning and Radio Wave has had no option but to suspend them pending investigation and consultation. We have been advised not to discuss the details of the incident and to apologise to listeners that were offended in any way.”

When contacted for comment yesterday, Jarret confirmed that he had been suspended until further notice. The usually outspoken and opinionated radio presenter remained tight-lipped, saying his lawyers had advised him not to make any statements or comments to the media.  

It is unclear what role Christine Mostert played in the on-air conversation. She also confirmed that the Waking Crew had been suspended, but made no further comments, saying: “I’m not allowed to say anything.”

The alleged comments made by Jarret have unleashed a flurry of opinions, with some calling for him to be removed from radio permanently, while others feel that the Waking Crew should be forgiven and brought back on air as soon as possible.

Former Radio Wave presenter Vicky Matjila expressed her opinion when contacted for comment yesterday: “What was said was quite unfortunate. Sometimes we DJ’s may say things without thinking them through properly. This usually happens when a DJ is not properly prepared or has little knowledge of the topic or is ignorant of the effects on the community and society at large.
“I feel pity for him. He did not think about all the rape victims out there when he made that statement. About their trauma and suffering.”

Comments on Radio Wave’s website yesterday expressed frustration and support for the Waking Crew.

MISA Namibia Chairperson Sandra Williams said she could not make an official statement until she had heard a recording of the alleged incident, as much had to do with the tone and spirit in which the statement was made.
However, she did say that MISA Namibia’s mandate was to protect the principles of freedom of speech.

“Honestly, it is not something that hasn’t been said before, by politicians, church leaders even. Journalists must be a reflection of what is out there in society. While they should apply caution and wisdom when making statements, they should not be censored, even if they are discussing a socially sensitive or taboo topic. It is a journalist’s job to address and speak about issues affecting society, but in a responsible way.”

She quoted from the Media Code of Ethics that was developed by the Editors’ Forum of Namibia. A clause on broadcasting states that broadcasters have the responsibility to take care when it comes to showing or broadcasting scenes of violence, brutality, sadism, salacity, atrocity, drug abuse and obscenity. It also states that programming should not glamorise violence.
Williams urged all media houses to subscribe to the Media Code of Ethics and strive to develop a high standard of journalism.

LOYAL Radio Wave listeners, who tuned in yesterday morning to listen to their favourite ‘shock-jock’ duo – the Waking Crew’s Jarret Loubser and Christine ‘Mossie’ Mostert – were instead met with a sombre announcement from station manager Margaret Loubser stating that the Waking Crew had been suspended pending an internal investigation.

It has been difficult to get an official version of events, but The Namibian has managed to piece together yesterday’s events from sources close to Radio Wave.

According to these sources, Jarret Loubser, who is known for his often controversial statements, made an on-air comment that women who wore short dresses and skirts were asking to be raped.

The station was inundated with calls from outraged listeners and irate advertisers calling for the Waking Crew to be removed from the air.
Margaret Loubser, who is married to Jarret, was placed in the difficult position of having to suspend her own husband.

She declined to confirm or deny rumours about why the two had been suspended, instead releasing the following statement: “Unfortunately the Waking Crew passed certain remarks this morning and Radio Wave has had no option but to suspend them pending investigation and consultation. We have been advised not to discuss the details of the incident and to apologise to listeners that were offended in any way.”

When contacted for comment yesterday, Jarret confirmed that he had been suspended until further notice. The usually outspoken and opinionated radio presenter remained tight-lipped, saying his lawyers had advised him not to make any statements or comments to the media.  

It is unclear what role Christine Mostert played in the on-air conversation. She also confirmed that the Waking Crew had been suspended, but made no further comments, saying: “I’m not allowed to say anything.”

The alleged comments made by Jarret have unleashed a flurry of opinions, with some calling for him to be removed from radio permanently, while others feel that the Waking Crew should be forgiven and brought back on air as soon as possible.

Former Radio Wave presenter Vicky Matjila expressed her opinion when contacted for comment yesterday: “What was said was quite unfortunate. Sometimes we DJ’s may say things without thinking them through properly. This usually happens when a DJ is not properly prepared or has little knowledge of the topic or is ignorant of the effects on the community and society at large.
“I feel pity for him. He did not think about all the rape victims out there when he made that statement. About their trauma and suffering.”

Comments on Radio Wave’s website yesterday expressed frustration and support for the Waking Crew.

MISA Namibia Chairperson Sandra Williams said she could not make an official statement until she had heard a recording of the alleged incident, as much had to do with the tone and spirit in which the statement was made.
However, she did say that MISA Namibia’s mandate was to protect the principles of freedom of speech.

“Honestly, it is not something that hasn’t been said before, by politicians, church leaders even. Journalists must be a reflection of what is out there in society. While they should apply caution and wisdom when making statements, they should not be censored, even if they are discussing a socially sensitive or taboo topic. It is a journalist’s job to address and speak about issues affecting society, but in a responsible way.”

She quoted from the Media Code of Ethics that was developed by the Editors’ Forum of Namibia. A clause on broadcasting states that broadcasters have the responsibility to take care when it comes to showing or broadcasting scenes of violence, brutality, sadism, salacity, atrocity, drug abuse and obscenity. It also states that programming should not glamorise violence.

Williams urged all media houses to subscribe to the Media Code of Ethics and strive to develop a high standard of journalism.

 

- February 19, 2010 by Natasha Uys

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Source: www.namibian.com.na/news/full-story/archive/2010/february/article/radio-waves-waking-crew-suspended/ (accessed 22.02.2010)