Former Manx Radio presenter Paul Moulton has lodged a formal complaint with the station’s Managing Director, alleging he was abruptly ordered out of the building moments after recording an interview about his 50‑year broadcasting career.
The incident, which took place on 8 July, has triggered wider scrutiny of Manx Radio’s management culture and raised questions about whether senior leaders and trustees should remain in post.
Confrontation
Moulton had been invited by current affairs presenter Phil Gawne to discuss his five decades in broadcasting, much of it spent at Manx Radio. But minutes after the interview ended, he says Programme Controller Alex Brindley instructed him to leave immediately.
Audio reviewed by Manx.News reportedly captures Brindley telling Moulton to “get lost” and insisting he should not be in the building.
Moulton said he initially thought the exchange was a joke. Gawne, who witnessed the incident, later emailed Moulton to apologise, saying he was shocked by what had happened.
Formal Complaint Escalated To CURA
Moulton has now submitted a formal complaint to Managing Director Chris Sully, copying the Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority (CURA). He argues the incident reflects deeper cultural problems within the station.
“I have heard enough now to believe that what happened to me may be part of a much wider problem involving the management’s culture at Manx Radio.”
Paul Moulton
He says multiple people have contacted him privately with their own experiences since the story first appeared in Media Isle of Man.
Trustees under pressure
In his statement, Moulton questions whether Manx Radio’s trustees have exercised proper oversight and whether they should remain in their roles.
He argues that the concerns raised require independent investigation, not an internal review by the same executives accused of creating the problem.
“If the trustees had been aware of concerns about management culture and have failed to act, then serious questions have to be asked about whether they have fulfilled their responsibility.”
Paul Moulton
He goes further, suggesting directors should consider their positions if they conclude they have not met the standards expected of a publicly supported broadcaster.
“Manx Radio belongs to the public”
Moulton says Manx Radio’s unique status receiving public financial support while operating as the ‘national broadcaster’, demands higher standards of governance and transparency.
He also criticised the station’s newsroom for failing to report on the incident.
“You could expect if this was a BBC story their newsroom would be looking into it and reporting the situation. So far Manx Radio is just transmitting static on this story.”
Scrutiny
Moulton has previously criticised Manx Radio’s editorial direction, arguing it has drifted away from traditional speech‑based programming and needs a stronger mix of news, discussion and music.
His relationship with the station dates back to his teenage years, when he moved to the Isle of Man at 13 and later worked in sports programming and production roles.
The complaint now sits with Manx Radio’s senior management and CURA. The trustees, who oversee the station’s governance, may face pressure to respond publicly or initiate an external review.
The incident has already sparked debate about workplace culture, accountability, and transparency inside the Island’s national broadcaster.
