Manx Radio inquiry finds programming director discourteous but not aggressive

An independent investigation commissioned by Manx Radio has found that its Director of Programming, Alex Brindley, was discourteous towards journalist Paul Moulton during a visit to the station, but was not aggressive or threatening, the broadcaster has reported.

Manx Radio ordered the external review after Mr Moulton emailed a formal complaint on 11 August about his visit on 8 July. He had recorded an interview there with the station’s Political Correspondent, Phil Gawne, which was broadcast in full on the Perspective programme on 12 July.

Mr Moulton alleged that he was then told to leave the station immediately. In the weeks before he complained, he spoke to other island media about the episode, and elsewhere he described Mr Brindley as “incandescent with rage”.

What the review found

According to Manx Radio, the investigation found no evidence to support those more serious claims. Witnesses described Mr Brindley’s manner as “controlled but rude”, the broadcaster said.

A letter to Mr Moulton, seen by Manx Radio News, said audio of the exchange that he had shared with others did not bear out the stronger descriptions either. The letter said Mr Brindley’s conduct took place against a background of longstanding concerns at the station about Mr Moulton’s past public comments on Manx Radio and his personal allegations about its staff. It said the investigation regarded those concerns as relevant.

The review also identified weaknesses in how the company handles visitors, gives notice of potentially sensitive visits and supports its staff. It recommended that procedures be tightened.

Response

In the letter, Managing Director Chris Sully said the station regretted that Mr Moulton had found the exchange offensive and accepted it “could have been handled more professionally”. He also called Mr Moulton’s later public descriptions of the incident “unfortunate”.

In a statement, Mr Sully said the station was working to address the findings. Manx Radio’s report did not include a response from Mr Moulton.