Andy Kershaw, the veteran Radio 1 DJ of 14 years, is to leave the station, BBC controllers said yesterday. His contract for the Thursday late night slot came to an end last week and has not been renewed.
Andy Parfitt, controller of Radio One, said: "Andy has been a dedicated Radio 1 presenter for many years and I appreciate the love and care that have gone into his work for the network."
The pair have not always agreed. Last year the DJ criticised his employer in his Independent column for a "condescending and insulting" attitude towards black Britons after broadcasts of gun-related rap records following the shooting of the Radio 1 presenter Tim Westwood. Mr Parfitt said at the time that the aim was to carry on the show as normal in Westwood's absence.
"Andy Kershaw is an undisputed expert in his sphere," he said yesterday. "But there are always new DJs and new forms of music looking to break on to a packed Radio 1 schedule. It is essential Radio 1 keeps moving, providing space to showcase the newest talent."
Kershaw's 12am to 2am slot will be replaced by a number of one-off programme specials, before a new series in September. A BBC spokesman said that Kershaw would continue to make freelance contributions to BBC radio.
Press Association
