Ross suspension "hurting" band exposure

Jonathan Ross's BBC suspension is preventing bands from getting mass exposure, according to a public relations expert.

PR Stuart Bell told The Independent that the three-month cancellation of Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, due to the presenter and Russell Brand leaving crude messages on Andrew Sachs voice mail, is damaging to bands such as The Killers and Razorlight.

He said: "It's key - the Holy Grail for that kind of audience. If you do something like Later... With Jools Holland, you get the coolness and the credibility, but not always the viewing figures.

"There's no Parkinson now, either, and no alternative at this time of year. And November is so important. There's the morning shows, GMTV, which is fine for Leona Lewis. But if you're The Killers or Razorlight, you want Jonathan Ross."

The Killers were to play on Ross's show last Friday before the programme was pulled from schedules.