Radio revolt over Beeb’s new home for Chris Moyles

ThERE is increasing discontent at BBC Radio about the possibility of dumped Radio 1 breakfast DJ Chris Moyles finding a new home at the Beeb.

I’m told a growing chorus of DJs and executives are privately lobbying against the loudmouth 38-yearold, who did not make many friends during his controversial tenure at Radio 1. Most concerned are staff at Radio 2 and Radio Five Live, both considered the most likely stations to offer him new programmes.

A senior Five Live broadcaster tells me: ‘We don’t want him here. It would look like a real dumbing down. he’s also incredibly egotistical behind the scenes which doesn’t work at a news station like Five Live.’

Radio 2 presenters are also wary, especially given that Chris Evans — a critic of Moyles — has only relatively recently replaced Sir Terry Wogan in the key breakfast slot. however, controller Bob Shennan is believed to be interested in introducing Moyles to Radio 2 listeners, starting with a planned series about music from the 1980s. That could lead to the DJ becoming a major presence in the future ‘as he matures as a broadcaster’, sources suggest.

But a worried staffer tells me: ‘Moyles is simply not a correct fit. We’re doing fine without him. Evans was thrashing him in the ratings at breakfast time. Nobody can see why Bob would take that risk.’

Moyles is currently considering a new role offered by Radio 1, which is believed to include a weekend show and some special projects. he is said to want the flexibility to work on various projects. But losing Chris Moyles to the commercial radio sector or TV is unlikely.

his most recent contract ties him in until 2014, while all his TV projects to date, including a recent dating show on Sky Living, have been spectacular flops in the ratings.