James Whale, who has died of cancer aged 74, was the British radio presenter most reminiscent of the American “shock jocks” noted for expressing their opinions on air in a provocative way. Arguing with listeners on his phone-in shows became part of Whale’s trademark style – and his more extreme remarks brought him one sacking and another suspension.
In 1974, during his first year with the commercial station Metro Radio in Newcastle, a national paper was moved to ask whether he was the rudest man on radio.
