Culture

BBC seeks older female newsreader

by generaldecay | September 24, 2009 at 11:58 am

127 views | 18 Recommendations | 7 comments

The BBC is actively seeking an older female newsreader, as it seeks to counter accusations of ageism. Director general Mark Thompson asked news director Helen Boaden to find the presenter, although reports of a recruitment deadline have been denied.

I was so sad to hear of Moira Stewart's leaving the BBC, and I did think that there was an element of ageism involved, so it's interesting that the BBC is looking to recruit an 'older' female newsreader.

This is not the first time the BBC has been accused of ageism.

The BBC has recently denied accusations of ageism after replacing Strictly Come Dancing Judge Arlene Phillips, 66, with former winner Alesha Dixon, 30.

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Amy Judd

at 13:14 on September 24th, 2009

What's the definition of 'older' though? That's what I'd like to know.

Tina Kells

at 13:24 on September 24th, 2009

I'm guessing over 30 ;)

generaldecay

at 00:13 on September 25th, 2009

I think probably over 50, Amy, but I'm not sure.

Thanks for the recommendation and comment.

jazzyzazzy

at 14:44 on September 24th, 2009

Good point Amy.Tina 30yrs still young and fresh faced.think they mean over fifty, Well some of us over 50,s who do not indulge in the botox treatment.We have wrinkle but they are smiley wrinkles,therefore they behold the story of ones face. Laugh a lot to tone up the face muscles.

generaldecay

at 00:24 on September 25th, 2009

I'm the other side of 30 now and I do feel sometimes that 'over 30' is now considered old. For women. That's a depressing thought if you allow it to be. So I don't!

Thanks for the recommendation and comment, Jazzy.

Colonel Boyle

at 23:49 on September 24th, 2009

There is a distinct lack of MILFs on BBC news, that much is true. It seems to be fine to have craggy, ugly old blokes reading the news so why not the same treatment for chicks? I hate the way they've turned the news into some kind of glamour/entertainment package. Just give us the facts!

Tangentially, I used to know Selina Scott and she was appalled at the way she was more or less hounded from the airwaves once her youthful halo started to slip. I thin she might even have tried to sue Sky or something?