Singapore’s Media Development Authority (MDA) has fined MediaCorp $6,300 for breaching the Free-to-air Radio Programme Code.

According to the authority, on March 20, Class 95 FM’s ‘Morning Express’ host Joe Augustin used a derogatory term to describe a visually-impaired woman who said she was denied service at a fast food outlet.

He used the same term again on air the following day.

The comment contravened the free-to-air programme code which states that “obscene or offensive jokes, words, songs dialogue should not be broadcast”.

In a statement, Ms Georgina Chang, MediaCorp VP English Programming, Radio, said: “We absolutely do not condone the use of unacceptable language, and there is a strict internal process to address it.”

Joe Augustin, Class 95FM DJ said: “In trying to hold up a mirror to society and keeping our programme edgy, I feel I may have crossed the very same lines I’ve called out others on for crossing. And so, to those who I have offended by my choice of words on this occasion, I sincerely apologise. And I promise you that I will do better in future.”