A former Manx Radio presenter and journalist says he was ordered to leave the station after being invited in for an interview about his 50 years in broadcasting.
Paul Moulton said he visited Manx Radio’s station on Douglas Head last Friday to be quizzed by former MHK and veteran broadcaster Phil Gawne about his long career in the industry.
However, he said their chat ended abruptly when he was told to leave the building by another member of staff just minutes after the interview ended.
Isle of Man Today has listened to audio recorded during the incident, in which Paul can be heard being told to ‘get lost’ and that he should not be in the building.
Manx Radio has been asked to comment on the incident.
Speaking about the incident, Mr Moulton said: ‘I wish I had engaged [at the time] but I was stunned. I thought he was joking at first.’
Mr Gawne, who conducted the interview, also witnessed Paul’s departure and later sent him a message apologising for what happened.
In the email, seen by Isle of Man Today, Mr Gawne wrote: ‘Just wanted to thank you for doing that interview and apologise for the abuse you got as you left. I was shocked so I can’t imagine how you felt.’
Paul’s connection with Manx Radio dates back to his teenage years, when he first walked into the station after moving to the island aged 13.
After completing a school project on the broadcaster, he began helping at the station during school holidays before later working on sports programmes and becoming a station assistant.
His broadcasting career went on to include roles with the BBC, Border Television, Granada and Isle of Man Television.
Despite being semi-retired, Paul continues to produce podcasts and videos and remains involved in discussions about local issues.
He has previously been critical of the direction of Manx Radio, which receives an annual Government subvention of £1.3 million funded by taxpayers.
Mr Moulton has said he believes the station has moved away from its traditional speech-based programming and has called for a stronger mix of news, discussion and music.