TalkTV Fires Mike Graham Over Racist Facebook Post

Published: 13 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Mike Graham, the 65-year-old presenter formerly hosting the TalkTV radio show Morning Glory, has been dismissed from his role after a racist Facebook post appeared on his account telling “non-white people” to “f— off.” The post, which went viral across social media in October, also included claims that Britain was “f—-d by multicultural bollocks,” sparking outrage among viewers, colleagues, and advocacy groups.

The broadcaster, who has presented on TalkTV for several years, has consistently denied creating the post himself. Graham has described the message as “vile” and stated that his Facebook account had been accessed without his knowledge. Despite initially cooperating with the network’s internal investigation—which involved an independent forensic firm tasked with reviewing the post and any account activity—Graham later refused to engage further. His failure to cooperate fully led News UK, the Rupert Murdoch-owned media group that owns TalkTV, to terminate his employment.

In a statement, the company explained: “An abhorrent and vile post appeared on Mike Graham’s Facebook page in October. Mike Graham said this was not posted by him and he agreed to cooperate with a company investigation, using an independent forensic firm. He later reneged on several opportunities to cooperate with the company investigation. We have been gravely concerned at his repeated failure to cooperate on such a serious matter and the decision has been taken that Mike Graham will not return to Talk.”

The post itself, published on October 19, paired a photo of a statue of Winston Churchill with an image of a crowded Tube carriage. The caption read: “Compare and contrast. Tell me we’re not f—-d by multicultural bollocks. Why are we surrounded by non-white people? Just f— off…” The comments quickly drew attention, with social media users criticising Graham for the racist language and questioning the broadcaster’s judgement and integrity.

Graham responded swiftly, deleting the post and issuing an apology. He insisted that it contained words he would “never write” and reflected an opinion he does not share. He further explained that his account had been compromised, saying: “On Sunday night my Facebook was accessed and a vile message was posted on my page without my knowledge. As soon as I found out, I immediately deleted the post and have taken steps to ensure my cyber security is enhanced. Obviously, I am mortified that such a post could have gone out in my name and am now attempting to find out how it could have happened.”

The suspension and subsequent dismissal sparked wider discussions in the media industry about social media conduct and the responsibilities of public figures. Experts have emphasised that even alleged breaches can have serious reputational consequences for broadcasters, and networks are increasingly taking a zero-tolerance approach to content that could be deemed discriminatory or offensive.

Following the incident, Graham stopped presenting his breakfast show, Morning Glory, and was replaced by Jeremy Kyle, who has taken over the time slot. Colleagues and media insiders have noted that the abrupt change underscores the broadcaster’s concern for maintaining the network’s credibility and avoiding reputational damage.

Despite the controversy, Graham has received messages of support from loyal listeners. On Monday, he posted a statement thanking his audience: “I just want to say thank you to all of you brilliant listeners and viewers who have sent me some of the most brilliant messages of support over the past couple of weeks. I really appreciate it. I’ve read every single one. They really give me great encouragement.”

The fallout from the incident has also reignited debates around online security for media personalities. Cybersecurity experts have warned that high-profile figures are frequent targets for hacking, phishing, and impersonation attempts. In Graham’s case, if his account was indeed compromised, it highlights the risks faced by public figures who maintain active social media presences and underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.

News UK’s handling of the matter has drawn attention for its decisive approach. By dismissing Graham after repeated non-cooperation, the network has sent a clear message to both employees and the public that offensive conduct—whether online or offline—will not be tolerated. Commentators have suggested that this case may serve as a cautionary tale for other broadcasters and media personnel about the potential consequences of social media missteps.

The incident comes amid ongoing scrutiny of TalkTV and other news networks over their content and presenter behaviour. Critics argue that broadcasters must hold themselves to the highest standards, particularly when dealing with sensitive social issues such as race, diversity, and inclusion. Graham’s post, whether authored by him or not, has reinforced the need for comprehensive training and guidance for on-air talent on responsible use of digital platforms.

In summary, the dismissal of Mike Graham marks a significant development in UK broadcasting, highlighting the intersection of social media, race, and professional accountability. While Graham maintains his innocence, the network’s firm stance underscores the seriousness with which News UK treats breaches of conduct. The story continues to attract attention from both the public and industry observers, who are closely monitoring how broadcasters manage similar incidents in the future.