Stu Peters will resume broadcasting the Late Show on Manx Radio next week after he was cleared of making racist remarks.

But the format of the show will no longer involve a live phone-in.

The Communications Commission investigated the station after complaints about language used, which some considered racist and in breach of the broadcasting programme code.

As the Manx Independent reported yesterday, Mr Peters was cleared of making racist comments.

However, the commission says comments made were ’in the realm of insensitive’.

Mr Peters said: ’I feel strongly that people should be able to discuss things rationally and respectfully - it’s the only way to resolve our differences - and worry that free speech for all could be under threat of being choked by some.

’I believe that the vast majority of people are kind, considerate and open-minded, and I fully intend to ensure that their voices are heard.

’But I will not expose myself, Manx Radio or anyone else to the comments and abuse of the last three weeks, and have asked the station to remove the live phone-in element of my show.

’It will still provide a platform for discussion and debate, but texts and emails are easier to moderate than live callers. The resources simply aren’t there to employ call screeners, producers or delay systems.’

Mr Peters will resume his role on the Late Show on Wednesday (July 1).

He added: ’Manx Radio has acted properly and responsibly and I thank them for their faith in me.

’I would also like to thank the IOM Communications Commission for a thorough and fair report, and the thousands of people who have signed petitions and sent me messages of support.

’Of particular note is the Free Speech Union who took up my "cause" and provided friendly guidance and practical advice - I would recommend them to anyone who has been told what to think or what to say.’

The commission has made several recommendations to Manx Radio including a slight delay on all live phone in shows and ensure that staff are provided with clear guidance to identify and deal with sensitive issues and language.

Station boss Chris Sully said: ’Manx Radio works closely at all times with its regulator, the Communications Commission, and followed the standard practice in this case, as we always do.

’We are grateful for the work that the team at the CC have done to reach a conclusion and now need time to work through the entire report to see what we can learn.

’Manx Radio sees this as the starting point on a journey of open discussion on the subject, rather than the end of the road.’

The commission received 40 representations in relation to the broadcast, 27 of which were in support of the show and Mr Peters.

In a statement, the Communications Commission said: ’The commission has conducted a thorough investigation of the broadcast, taking into account the format of ’The Late Show’ and the nature of the presenter’s exchange with callers and listeners.

’The commission’s decision is that there was no breach of the code and that there is sufficient evidence that Manx Radio did not intend the programme "to stir up racial hatred or, taking into account the circumstances, [was] likely to do so" as set out in the code.’

The Communication Commission’s statement continues: ’The commission further notes that, bearing in mind that issues surrounding race can be an emotive matter, the debate in question was conducted in a fair and measured way and, for the most part, in a calm and open manner.

’While some comments expressed during the broadcast could conceivably fall within the realm of insensitive language, it is the commission’s belief they should be viewed in context.’