Michael James Whale MBE (born 13 May 1951) is a British radio personality, television presenter, podcast host and author.

TalkRadio announced its decision to suspend Whale pending a full investigation, following the interview with journalist Nichi Hodgson in which she disclosed details about her sexual assault.

Writing for the Guardian, Hodgson said she was “interrogated, ridiculed and had [her] journalistic integrity questioned” after she spoke about her experience during a discussion on flirtation and the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment.

In a statement, TalkRadio said Whale’s interview with Hodgson “completely lacked sensitivity,” and was conducted “in a manner that did not reflect the values of the station”.

The Daily Mirror reported "James Whale had a heated argument with former RMT union boss Steve Hedley on his TalkTV show over Palestine before attempting to physically remove him from the studio" and received complaints from some listeners[3] Whale was born on 13 May 1951 in Ewell, Surrey into "an ordinary middle class family".

[4] His English father David worked in the family business S&R Whale, which made dresses, aprons and overalls in a factory in Brixton, London.

[10] In this job he came into contact with a DJ who influenced him to become one soon after, citing Tony Blackburn, Johnnie Walker and Kid Jensen as among his favourites.

[11] After learning that Watneys was to open a chain of discos, Whale took their DJ training course and landed his first gig at The Bird's Nest in Muswell Hill, north London.

[10] He later moved to BBC Radio Derby[10] to host a morning phone-in, working with Terry Christian who later became a colleague at talkSPORT.

In the late 1980s, Whale became influenced by American radio hosts, including "shock jock" Howard Stern, and changed his style, having become tired of the "lovely phone-ins" that he had been accustomed to.

[20] The media regulator said TalkSport had broken the code on ensuring due impartiality, and said the breach was so serious that it had considered whether to impose a sanction on the station, which could have included a fine.

The Daily Express reported: The presenting duo were joined by Lauren Booth and James Whale on the sofa and both were eager to air their views on the fact that burkinis have been banned in 15 French towns following recent terror attacks.

The discussion comes after photographs emerged earlier this week of the moment armed police confronted and fined a woman for wearing a burkini as she walked out of the sea on a popular beach.

[29] In August 2018, Whale was suspended by talkRADIO, pending a full investigation, after an interview with author and journalist Nichi Hodgson, who had been sexually assaulted.

TalkRadio announced its decision to suspend Whale pending a full investigation on Friday, following the interview with journalist Nichi Hodgson on Monday in which she disclosed details about her sexual assault.

Writing for the Guardian, Hodgson said she was “interrogated, ridiculed and had [her] journalistic integrity questioned” after she spoke about her experience during a discussion on flirtation and the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment.

In a statement, TalkRadio said Whale’s interview with Hodgson “completely lacked sensitivity,” and was conducted “in a manner that did not reflect the values of the station”.

[41] In 2024 James Whale posted an online video encouraging people to get blood tests for cancer, in 2024 he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to broadcasting and charity.

[42] In February 2024 an incident during his regular radio show resulted in coverage on several news sites and newspapers the Daily Mirror reported "James Whale had a heated argument with former RMT union boss Steve Hedley on his TalkTV show over Palestine before attempting to physically remove him from the studio" and received complaints from some listeners.