Radio Caroline Apologizes After On-Air Error Incorrectly Announces King Charles III’s Death
A UK radio station has apologized after a serious broadcasting error mistakenly announced that King Charles III had died. Radio Caroline, based in Essex, interrupted its normal programming on Tuesday afternoon after what the station later described as a computer error. The automated announcement stated that regular programs had been suspended “as a mark of respect” following the passing of His Majesty King Charles III. The message was repeated more than once, and the station reportedly played solemn music as part of a pre-prepared protocol used by broadcasters in the event of a monarch’s death. For listeners who heard the announcement live, the moment was alarming and confusing. The station later confirmed that the announcement was false. In a public apology, Radio Caroline said the “death of a monarch” procedure, which UK broadcasters keep ready for major national moments, had been accidentally activated. The station explained that the mistake caused its normal output to stop and...