Why was DJ Moody given his marching orders?
by Sam Thomson
A high-profile radio personality has vanished from the airways afterhe was suddenly sacked leaving listeners and fellow staff in the dark.
Moody, real name Simon Barker-Davies, was familiar to thousands across Sussex as the roving reporter on Southern FM's breakfast show with Danny Pike and Nicky Keig-Shevlin.
Station bosses have now ordered the popular personality off the air.
Capital Radio, which owns the station, last night refused to give the reason for the abrupt action.
Colleagues yesterday told The Argus how all trace of Mr Barker-Davies' presence was removed from Southern FM's studio in Portslade hours after he was dismissed.
Pictures were taken from walls, while postcards featuring him have gone from the reception.
One Southern FM worker, who asked not to be named, said: "We're all mystified because no-one knows what's going on.
"It's unusual for people not to find out why someone is sacked.
"We all liked Moody and he was a very nice bloke."
In a written statement, a spokeswoman for Capital said: "We are unable to discuss the terms and conditions of any of our employees' contracts, or reasons for dismissal.
"It is a private matter and the only person permitted to comment further would be Simon Barker Davis [sic] himself.
"The company has come to an agreement with Moody and he is no longer working at the station. He has gone on to pursue other things."
Mr Barker-Davies was not available for comment last night.
Originally from Warwick, he moved to Sussex in 1997 after working for the radio station BRMB in Birmingham.
Reporting from his distinctive Moody Mobile, he was involved in many high-profile stunts and activities while working for Southern FM.
Two years ago, the then managing director of Southern FM, Bob Hoad, paid £2,500 for the name Moody to appear on a bus as part of a charity auction for The Argus Appeal.
Mr Barker-Davies was often seen driving across the county in his Moody Mobile and he was infamous for waking people up in the morning with a loud blast of its horn.
One of his most popular features was Kool to School on Mondays, when he arranged travel to school for someone in their dream vehicle, such as limousine, army jeep or old bus.
He also played a big part in Southern FM's hugely successful Party in the Park last month, appearing on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans as he introduced massive pop acts, including Atomic Kitten and Busted.
One of Mr Barker-Davies' last missions for the station involved him being trapped inside a cardboard box and kicked around by listeners for an hour to raise money for charity.
A 25-year-old Southern FM listener said last night: "I listen to Southern FM most days as I drive into work and had noticed Moody was not on the morning show but just thought he was on holiday.
"It's a real shame as I used to enjoy hearing his Moody Missions every Friday and his forfeit on Monday if he failed to complete them."
by Sam Thomson
A high-profile radio personality has vanished from the airways afterhe was suddenly sacked leaving listeners and fellow staff in the dark.
Moody, real name Simon Barker-Davies, was familiar to thousands across Sussex as the roving reporter on Southern FM's breakfast show with Danny Pike and Nicky Keig-Shevlin.
Station bosses have now ordered the popular personality off the air.
Capital Radio, which owns the station, last night refused to give the reason for the abrupt action.
Colleagues yesterday told The Argus how all trace of Mr Barker-Davies' presence was removed from Southern FM's studio in Portslade hours after he was dismissed.
Pictures were taken from walls, while postcards featuring him have gone from the reception.
One Southern FM worker, who asked not to be named, said: "We're all mystified because no-one knows what's going on.
"It's unusual for people not to find out why someone is sacked.
"We all liked Moody and he was a very nice bloke."
In a written statement, a spokeswoman for Capital said: "We are unable to discuss the terms and conditions of any of our employees' contracts, or reasons for dismissal.
"It is a private matter and the only person permitted to comment further would be Simon Barker Davis [sic] himself.
"The company has come to an agreement with Moody and he is no longer working at the station. He has gone on to pursue other things."
Mr Barker-Davies was not available for comment last night.
Originally from Warwick, he moved to Sussex in 1997 after working for the radio station BRMB in Birmingham.
Reporting from his distinctive Moody Mobile, he was involved in many high-profile stunts and activities while working for Southern FM.
Two years ago, the then managing director of Southern FM, Bob Hoad, paid £2,500 for the name Moody to appear on a bus as part of a charity auction for The Argus Appeal.
Mr Barker-Davies was often seen driving across the county in his Moody Mobile and he was infamous for waking people up in the morning with a loud blast of its horn.
One of his most popular features was Kool to School on Mondays, when he arranged travel to school for someone in their dream vehicle, such as limousine, army jeep or old bus.
He also played a big part in Southern FM's hugely successful Party in the Park last month, appearing on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans as he introduced massive pop acts, including Atomic Kitten and Busted.
One of Mr Barker-Davies' last missions for the station involved him being trapped inside a cardboard box and kicked around by listeners for an hour to raise money for charity.
A 25-year-old Southern FM listener said last night: "I listen to Southern FM most days as I drive into work and had noticed Moody was not on the morning show but just thought he was on holiday.
"It's a real shame as I used to enjoy hearing his Moody Missions every Friday and his forfeit on Monday if he failed to complete them."
i f~@king hate southern fm.
And the next evening, with a different bloke, and the next evening, with a different bloke....... what a slag!