Talking of over the top stunts, OfCom is reportedly investigating that mock burglary staged by Kerrang! Radio DJ Tim Shaw. As previously reported, Shaw broke into his boss' home as part of an on air prank earlier this month. Kerrang! PD Andrew Jeffries was outraged when he found the presenter had smashed a window to break into his house to stage the fake burglary - graffiting on his walls, throwing clothing around the place and hiding expensive possessions. Shaw and his producer were suspended
- leading to the establishment of a website where listeners are calling for his return to the air. Now OfCom is investigating two complaints about the programme, looking into whether the incident breaches rules banning the portrayal of "physical, verbal or psychological" violence that could spark copycat incidents.
**The
Guardian** is still sceptical as to whether the incident took place at all. Jeffries insisted last week that Shaw's suspension wasn't just part of an elaborate marketing stunt. However the news that Shaw will be allowed back on air on the station, despite him badmouthing Kerrang! management since his suspension, does suggest that Jeffries and his team are, in fact, in on the joke.
Even more so, given that on Friday the Guardian quoted an insider at the station who says Jeffries told his team that it was "really important to keep this real to everyone", urging colleagues to lie to their friends to keep the joke alive.
Kerrang!
MD Adrian Serle last week refused to comment on the stunt, telling the Guardian: "It's been all over the news for the past week. Make your own mind up".