Radio 1 controller warns Chris Moyles to obey broadcasting rules
BBC Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt today said DJ Chris Moyles must obey broadcasting rules if he is to keep his job.
The presenter was judged to have breached Ofcom regulations earlier this week over comments he made about gay singer Will Young.
He has previously come under fire for ‘homophobic’ comments, calling a ringtone he disliked “gay” in 2006.
At the Radio Academy Radio and Music forum today, Parfitt was asked whether the DJ’s future at Radio 1 was guaranteed.
He replied: “He made a mistake. What he said wasn’t acceptable. He was told that at the time and I have made it profoundly clear to him and his team that we do not condone bullying and homophobia. So as long as they work within the rules their future is secure.”
Previously, the corporation said it had dealt with the issue “swiftly and firmly” but would not confirm how it would prevent such incidents from occurring again or what action would be taken.
Eight people complained to Ofcom about an episode of Chris Moyles Breakfast programme broadcast on the 20th January 2009 where the DJ discussed the birthday of the Pop Idol winner Will Young.
During the broadcast, Moyles imitated the singer by singing alternative versions to his well known singles ‘Evergreen’ and ‘Leave Right Now. During both songs, the media regulator found that Moyles “adopted an effeminate and high pitched voice.”
