BBC ignites fresh ageism row with four axed journalists 'filing discrimination complaints' as broadcaster slashes a whopping 130 jobs

Daily Mail​

17 hours ago

The BBC has ignited a fresh ageism row as four axed journalists file discrimination complaints and the broadcaster slashes jobs.
The four senior reporters, aged over 50 years old, have allegedly expressed concerns they may be targeted for compulsory redundancy.
The employees are also said to collectively have more than 100 years of experience between them.
Over the span of their careers, they have apparently covered terror attacks and wars, according to The Sun.
It comes as, in an attempt to save £700million, the broadcaster cut a whopping 130 jobs.
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Insiders have told The Sun that the process of employees having to apply for new jobs in the merger favours younger workers more because of it focusing on the previous two years of applicants' careers.
Words like 'live page' and 'digital' are also allegedly favoured on applications.
The BBC told The Sun: 'Restructuring in BBC News is taking place according to established BBC policies.
'We conduct all processes in a thorough and fair manner, and we are committed to supporting our staff throughout, including through comprehensive redeployment assistance.'
MailOnline has approached the BBC for comment.
It comes just months after four BBC broadcast news presenters, Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera and Annita McVeigh, dropped their tribunal over age and sex discrimination allegations on unknown terms.
Karin Giannone confirmed to MailOnline the case has been dropped, saying in a statement on behalf of the four: 'We can confirm that we have reached a resolution with BBC management that avoids the need for a tribunal hearing in respect of our employment-related claims.
'A protracted process lasting almost three years is now over. We've been deeply moved by the support we've received.
'We look forward to contributing further to the success of BBC News, especially to live programming and the growing streaming services that are so important to our audiences.'
While earlier this week, BBC TV and radio presenter Nihal Arthanayake, 54, opened up about how he feels in his workplace and claims there's a 'lack of diversity' at the broadcaster.
The journalist first joined the BBC in 2002 when he became the co-host to BBC Radio 1's Asian Beats show and has several different roles since.
The BBC presenter spoke candidly in a video on Instagram and 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.'
In the caption, Nihal revealed he would be leaving the BBC in September and elaborated on his concerns.
The journalist penned: '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 ll be leaving in September. Have pondered whether to press 'share' on this, but as I am leaving anyway...'
The journalist shared a message he received from someone else who has worked at the BBC in another post.
It read: 'I'm not sure the BBC is a place for people of colour I feel we get treated like 'pets', that we should be so grateful, despite grafting for our positions, & dare we speak out...'
With the message, Nihal penned: 'Not sure I can disagree with these sentiments from someone who DM'd me about their experience of working at the BBC.'
In the caption he revealed other former or current BBC colleagues had reached out to him.
Nihal wrote: 'Had so many dms from people of colour who have worked or are still working at the BBC.
'BBC North is not an inclusive environment for people of colour. I am not the only one who thinks that.'
A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: '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.'
The BBC also shared that the proportion of employees from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds increased at the BBC last year and make up 17.2% of all employees at the broadcaster.
It aims to achieve its target of 20% by March 2026.