Moyles hits out at 'dull' radio

Moyles landed in hot water over comments about Will Young

Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles has accused the BBC of making dull programmes because it does not want to upset listeners.

He says that radio shows are "so formulaic [that] anyone different, like me or Jonathan (Ross), stands out".

Moyles has landed in hot water on several occasions. In March, he was censured by media watchdog Ofcom for mocking singer Will Young's sexuality.

But, he told the Radio Times: "The reality is you can't keep everyone happy all the time."

The furore surrounding the Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand's prank calls on Radio 2 last year led the BBC to bolster its compliance procedures.

"The BBC is in a very weird state where they just don't want to upset anybody," said Moyles.

Chris is never backwards in coming forwards but, while he is entitled to his opinion, we think that lively, distinctive and risk-taking radio is alive and well at the BBC

BBC spokesman

"Everything now needs to be signed, sealed and approved 18 times."

He added: "We're not trying to change the world, but because radio is so dull, so boring and so formulaic, and anyone different - me or Jonathan - stands out.

"So the BBC is throwing down rules and regulations on you and then the newspapers are saying certain things and you're just trying to juggle everything while keeping everyone happy at the same time.

A BBC spokesman said: "Chris is never backwards in coming forwards but, while he is entitled to his opinion, we think that lively, distinctive and risk-taking radio is alive and well at the BBC.

"We have a duty to ensure all our programmes are editorially compliant, but that doesn't mean our producers and presenters can't take creative risks if it means better programmes for listeners."

Moyles was previously forced to apologise for swearing at a caller live on air.

His satirical song mocking Will Young was deemed inappropriate by Ofcom for condoning "negative stereotypes based on sexual orientation".