Senior Manx Radio staff member was 'discourteous' but not aggressive

Broadcaster responds to complainant following independent investigation into incident

An independent investigation has found that whilst 'discourteous', Manx Radio's Director of Programming was not 'aggressive, threatening, furious or "incandescent with rage"' during an incident with an Island journalist.

The broadcaster commissioned an external review after receiving an official letter of complaint in August regarding a visit to the station by Paul Moulton on 8 July.

It assessed the conduct of the staff member involved, Alex Brindley, the evidence of witnesses, the context of Mr Moulton's email on 11 August, and his 'subsequent public allegations'.

In the weeks before the official complaint email was sent to the broadcaster, Mr Moulton spoke to other local media outlets about the 'incident'.

Mr Moulton alleged that he was told 'to leave the station immediately' following an interview with Political Correspondent Phil Gawne.

That interview aired in full on Manx Radio's Perspective programme on Sunday, 12 July.

In comments elsewhere, he described Mr Brindley as 'incandescent with rage'.

FINDINGS

However, the investigation has concluded that these 'more serious public allegations' could not be substantiated.

Witness evidence described Mr Brindley's manner as "controlled but rude".

A letter addressed to Mr Moulton, seen by Manx Radio News, states: "The audio of the incident that you had shared with others was also found not to support those more serious characterisations."

It adds: "The investigation concluded that Mr Brindley's manner towards you was indeed discourteous.

"However, it also established that his response arose within the context of longstanding concerns regarding your previous public commentary about Manx Radio and personal allegations about its staff.

"The investigation acknowledged these concerns as relevant background to the exchange."

RECOMMENDATIONS

Elsewhere, recommendations have been made to the public broadcaster to 'strengthen' its procedures.

It's as the investigation found 'shortcomings in the company's internal arrangements for managing visitors, communicating potentially sensitive visits, and supporting staff'.

In its final comments to Mr Moulton, the letter, signed by Manx Radio's Managing Director Chris Sully, states: "Manx Radio regrets that you found the exchange offensive and acknowledges that the interaction could have been handled more professionally.

"Equally, we consider the subsequent public characterisations of the incident unfortunate, particularly where the independent investigation has found that the more serious allegations were not supported by the available evidence.

"We trust this response provides clarification of the investigation's principal findings and demonstrates that your complaint has been considered seriously and impartially."

COMMENT

Manx Radio News contacted Manx Radio for comment.

In response, Mr Sully said: "Although the investigation acknowledges that Mr Brindley’s actions to Mr Moulton were discourteous, importantly, the investigation did not substantiate the more serious public allegations that Mr Brindley was aggressive, threatening, furious or "incandescent with rage".

"Manx Radio acknowledges that the interaction could have been handled more professionally and the station is currently working to address the findings in relation to the matters raised following the investigation."