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| Britain |
| BBC Reporter Unmasked as Hell's Angels PR Flack....Really..... |
| 2010-01-14 |
| He had a day job as a BBC journalist, reporting for both TV and radio. But in his spare time Steve Jones had a rather more exciting role - as leather-clad spokesman for the Hell's Angels. He was even interviewed in BBC reports using his Hell's Angel nickname 'Echo', criticising police for being heavy-handed at an annual bikers' festival. That was too much for the BBC bosses. Shoulda stuck to bitching about the Juice and them damn Yankees....then he could have gotten a promotion. Silly sod! They sacked him for breaching their code of conduct, which says journalists must disclose their interests and get permission before representing outside organisations. Mr Jones, 51, joined the BBC more than 20 years ago. As mid-Wales correspondent he was a regular on BBC Wales TV and Radio Wales and was said to earn more than £40,000 a year. His downfall came after he was interviewed by unsuspecting colleagues on Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live as a Hell's Angel speaking up for the 'brotherhood' and criticising the police. His distinctive voice was recognised by colleagues which led to an inquiry into his extra-curricular activities. Should have learned to speak with a midwestern twang ... Mr Jones was also interviewed on a television news bulletin wearing a Hell's Angel's badge as one of the organisers of last summer's annual 'Bulldog Bash' in the Midlands. Mr Jones had previously annoyed BBC bosses by wearing a short-sleeved shirt on TV - showing off his tattooed arms. The father of two was on leave when he took on the role of unofficial press spokesman for the biking event. A BBC spokesman confirmed he had been dismissed after a disciplinary hearing. A BBC source added: 'Steve's a lovely bloke and an excellent broadcaster but he's a bit of a maverick. Being a BBC correspondent in the week and a Hell's Angel at the weekend doesn't sit well.' Mr Jones, who is understood to be appealing against the decision, declined to comment. A friend said: 'He believes he's done nothing wrong apart from carrying out the hobby he has had for years.' |
| Posted by:Cornsilk Blondie |
| #4 The Hells Angels MC is probably relieved to hear that their spokesman is no longer associated with a pack of disreputable ruffians. |
| Posted by: Atomic Conspiracy 2010-01-14 21:13 |
| #3 "Echo"? You mean they didn't tag him as "Chauncey"? |
| Posted by: mojo 2010-01-14 11:18 |
| #2 I thought the Hell's Angels had social standards. I am crushed. |
| Posted by: Richard Aubrey 2010-01-14 10:44 |
| #1 If he didn't get cut by the BBC the Hell's Angels would have had to kick him out for tainting them. |
| Posted by: Glenmore 2010-01-14 09:41 |