Radio 1’s McKenzie denies bullying claims

BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat Editor Rod McKenzie has denied any wrongdoing after complaints lead to his removal from the network.

McKenzie is now on one months leave after complaints about an alleged bullying management style and a BBC disciplinary process that has lasted for almost a year.

The Independent claims over 30 staff have complained about Mr McKenzie and he will now be moved to another department. The BBC’s Head of Programmes Ceri Thomas has briefed Newsbeat’s staff about the changes.

The newspaper report says The allegations of bullying against Mr McKenzie were spread over two decades. He was alleged to have had his favourites within the Newsbeat team and to have “frozen out” those whom he did not like, shouting at individuals in front of other staff. Mr McKenzie continues to protest his innocence, believing he has been the victim of a social media campaign.

A source close to him said: “He strongly rejects these claims and maintains that his behaviour is entirely in keeping with a pressurised news environment.” Mr McKenzie was said to be pleased that some of the “most lurid” claims about him were not upheld.

He is said to have disputed that he had favourites, arguing that “a favourite is a high achiever by another name”.

The BBC said: “We do not discuss internal staff or disciplinary issues.”