BBC renews Chris Moyles’ contract despite his ‘anti-gay’ outbursts
Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles has had his contract renewed by the BBC.
The presenter was censured by Ofcom earlier this year for comments he made about gay singer Will Young. In 2006, he was voted Stonewall’s ‘Bully of the Year’ after he refused to apologise for describing a ring tone that he didn’t like as “gay.”
Despite rumours his contract would not be renewed, Moyles announced his new deal on his show yesterday.
He said: “There was a lot of false speculation about the show a few months ago saying we were going to be off by September or by the end of the year.
“Well I’m pleased to announce I’ve signed a new contract and I’m not going anywhere for at least another year.”
Moyles was warned to obey broadcasting rules or lose his job by BBC Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt in March.
Parfitt said: “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.
Eight people complained to Ofcom about an episode of the star’s Breakfast programme broadcast on January 20th 2009 in which he 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 Ofcom found that Moyles “adopted an effeminate and high pitched voice.”
