BBC radio star to pursue very different career after quitting station and slamming bosses for ‘treating staff like pets'

The Sun

3 days ago

A VETERAN BBC radio presenter is having a major career change after quitting and accusing the Corporation of "treating staff like pets".
Nihal Arthanayake, 54, had worked at the BBC for 23 years and was known for interviewing some of the biggest names in the country from Billy Connolly to Elton John.
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Now the radio presenter is swapping his broadcasting microphone for a stage one and, this weekend, will make his debut as a stand-up comedian.
Nihal didn't leave the Beeb without causing a stir, sharing feedback from another employee who told him that BBC managers treat staff "like pets," he has fired more shots at the Beeb.
'I couldn't be happy there any more,' he told The Times in an interview.
'I do feel that the BBC is in an existential crisis, especially BBC News.'
Nihal admitted he would "get myself into trouble" for airing his grievances about the BBC so publicly, but does not think the broadcaster's alleged issues "can be solved with the current leadership."
"I don't think they're fit for purpose. BBC News is ultimately at the heart of the BBC's trust — no one's looking at impartiality with [The] Traitors or Strictly Come Dancing," he told the newspaper.
"Its trust derives from its ability to communicate truth and hold power to account, and it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt when it comes to the BBC's coverage of Israel and Gaza it has failed to do that.'
Nihal shared an image of the newspaper article to his Instagram account where he expanded on his thoughts about his former employer.
"I want the BBC to be better. Under the current leadership... I cannot see that happening," his post caption began.
"At the weekend someone at 5Live told me how monocultural it still is and how their concerns are either ignored or management call for another meeting, and nothing much happens."
TV star slams BBC for treating staff 'like pets' saying 'I'm leaving in September'
Nihal's bold claims come about a year after he publicly called out the BBC about the lack of diversity and, in June, declared nothing much had changed in the past 12 months.
Nihal said: "So today I walked into the BBC building in Salford and I was struck yet again, not for the first time, just how few black and Asian people work in that building and one thing that people have to understand is that when you walk into an environment where you just don't see anybody that looks like you, that has an effect.
"Since I called them out on it, well over a year ago, it seems like ain't a damn thing changed."
He captioned it: "I remember calling out BBC North on the lack of diversity in the building I worked in.
"I remember speaking to some of the black and Asian people who worked there and I kept hearing how isolating it was for them (not all obviously).
"It just struck me again today.
"It also reminded why I I'll be leaving in September. Have pondered whether to press 'share' on this, but as I am leaving anyway."
A BBC spokesperson said at the time: 'We're sorry if anyone feels this way, as creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong is a big priority for us and we know we have further to go.
"Whilst we're proud of the diversity of the BBC, we remain committed to continuing to build a workforce that fully reflects and represents the whole of the UK.'
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