Latest news with #BBCNorth
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
TV and radio star slams the BBC for treating staff ‘like pets' saying ‘I'm leaving in September'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TV AND radio star Nihal Arthanayake has slammed the BBC for its lack of diversity - saying they treat staff "like pets". The journalist 54, claims very few changes have been made over the last 12 months after having previously called the broadcaster out. 4 Nihal Arthanayake has slammed the BBC for its lack of diversity Credit: instagram 4 He agreed with an anonymous BBC employee who said they've been treated like 'pets' Credit: Alamy Taking to his Instagram, Nihal shared a video from his car as he spoke about his concerns and revealed he's set to leave in September. 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." Yesterday, Nihal also shared a screengrab of a message from a BBC employer, who he has kept anonymous. 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 grateful, despite grafting for our positions and dare we speak out." BBC presenter suffers shocking racist abuse outside pub while waiting for his wife on night out Alongside the claim, Nihal wrote: "Not sure I can disagree with these sentiments from someone who DM'd me about their experience of working at the BBC." He added: "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 said: '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.' Last May, the Essex born journalist and former rap music promoter revealed he had left BBC 5 Live after eight years, with Times Radio presenter Matt Chorley replacing him. Nihal currently hosts two interviews on Sunday evenings in a slot called Headliners with Nihal Arthanayake, which is also available as a podcast. He also occasionally presents Loose Ends on BBC Radio 4. Just after he announced his BBC 5 Live exit, Nihal shared his next career move. He said: "Hello everyone, some professional news from me. "I am leaving daytimes on @bbc5live to concentrate on the aspect of broadcasting I love most, which is in depth long form interviews, which I will continue to do on @bbc5live on Sunday evenings and the Headliners Podcast. "I also need more time to finish my second book! And have more time to do the things that I never seem to have time to. "Thank you for being such an incredible audience for the last 8 years! My last daytime show will be 27th June. let's have a party." He also worked on BBC Radio 1 from 2002 to 2014. In April 2023 Nihal revealed his ordeal a 'drunk man' in Altrincham where he had been drinking with his wife and said he was racially abused. In a shocking video posted on Twitter he said the man asked him if he was a doctor before calling him a p*** and using the n-word, a racist slur. In November he admitted that working within an "overwhelmingly white" environment at the BBC depressed him, and said it had affected his mental health due to the lack of diversity. He said: "It's really affecting me that I walk in and all I see is white people." 4 Nihal said he'll be quitting his current role in September Credit: PA
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
TV and radio star slams the BBC for treating staff ‘like pets' saying ‘I'm leaving in September'
TV AND radio star Nihal Arthanayake has slammed the BBC for its lack of diversity - saying they treat staff "like pets". The journalist 54, claims very few changes have been made over the last 12 months after having previously called the broadcaster out. 4 4 Taking to his Instagram, Nihal shared a video from his car as he spoke about his concerns and revealed he's set to leave in September. 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." Yesterday, Nihal also shared a screengrab of a message from a BBC employer, who he has kept anonymous. 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 grateful, despite grafting for our positions and dare we speak out." BBC presenter suffers shocking racist abuse outside pub while waiting for his wife on night out Alongside the claim, Nihal wrote: "Not sure I can disagree with these sentiments from someone who DM'd me about their experience of working at the BBC." He added: "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 said: '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.' Last May, the Essex born journalist and former rap music promoter revealed he had left BBC 5 Live after eight years, with Times Radio presenter Matt Chorley replacing him. Nihal currently hosts two interviews on Sunday evenings in a slot called Headliners with Nihal Arthanayake, which is also available as a podcast. He also occasionally presents Loose Ends on BBC Radio 4. Just after he announced his BBC 5 Live exit, Nihal shared his next career move. He said: "Hello everyone, some professional news from me. "I am leaving daytimes on @bbc5live to concentrate on the aspect of broadcasting I love most, which is in depth long form interviews, which I will continue to do on @bbc5live on Sunday evenings and the Headliners Podcast. "I also need more time to finish my second book! And have more time to do the things that I never seem to have time to. "Thank you for being such an incredible audience for the last 8 years! My last daytime show will be 27th June. let's have a party." He also worked on BBC Radio 1 from 2002 to 2014. In April 2023 Nihal revealed his ordeal a 'drunk man' in Altrincham where he had been drinking with his wife and said he was racially abused. In a shocking video posted on Twitter he said the man asked him if he was a doctor before calling him a p*** and using the n-word, a racist slur. In November he admitted that working within an "overwhelmingly white" environment at the BBC depressed him, and said it had affected his mental health due to the lack of diversity. He said: "It's really affecting me that I walk in and all I see is white people." 4 4
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
TV and radio star slams the BBC for treating staff ‘like pets' saying ‘I'm leaving in September'
TV AND radio star Nihal Arthanayake has slammed the BBC for its lack of diversity - saying they treat staff "like pets". The journalist 54, claims very few changes have been made over the last 12 months after having previously called the broadcaster out. Advertisement 4 Nihal Arthanayake has slammed the BBC for its lack of diversity Credit: instagram 4 He agreed with an anonymous BBC employee who said they've been treated like 'pets' Credit: Alamy Taking to his Instagram, 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. Advertisement "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." Yesterday, Nihal also shared a screengrab of a message from a BBC employer, who he has kept anonymous. Advertisement Most read in Showbiz Breaking Breaking 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 grateful, despite grafting for our positions and dare we speak out." BBC presenter suffers shocking racist abuse outside pub while waiting for his wife on night out Alongside the claim, Nihal wrote: "Not sure I can disagree with these sentiments from someone who DM'd me about their experience of working at the BBC." He added: "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 said: '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. Advertisement "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.' Last May, the Essex born journalist and former rap music promoter revealed he had left BBC 5 Live after eight years, with Times Radio presenter Matt Chorley replacing him. Nihal currently hosts two interviews on Sunday evenings in a slot called Headliners with Nihal Arthanayake, which is also available as a podcast. He also occasionally presents Loose Ends on BBC Radio 4. Just after he announced his BBC 5 Live exit, Advertisement He said: "Hello everyone, some professional news from me. "I am leaving daytimes on @bbc5live to concentrate on the aspect of broadcasting I love most, which is in depth long form interviews, which I will continue to do on @bbc5live on Sunday evenings and the Headliners Podcast. "I also need more time to finish my second book! And have more time to do the things that I never seem to have time to. "Thank you for being such an incredible audience for the last 8 years! My last daytime show will be 27th June. let's have a party." Advertisement He also worked on BBC Radio 1 from 2002 to 2014. In April 2023 Nihal revealed his ordeal a 'drunk man' in Altrincham where he had been drinking with his wife and said he was racially abused. In a shocking video posted on Twitter he said the man asked him if he was a doctor before calling him a p*** and using the n-word, a racist slur. Read more on the Irish Sun In November he admitted that working within an "overwhelmingly white" environment at the BBC depressed him, and said it had affected his mental health due to the lack of diversity. Advertisement He said: "It's really affecting me that I walk in and all I see is white people." 4 Nihal said he'll be quitting his current role in September Credit: PA 4 Matt Chorley replaced Nihal in June 2024 on BBC 5 Live Credit: BBC
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC presenter slams corporation after quitting post and says 'nothing changed'
BBC presenter Nihal Arthanayake has accused the corporation of lacking diversity as he complained how 'not a damn thing has changed' BBC presenter Nihal Arthanayake hit out at the corporation for the lack of diversity in the workplace in an honest post shared on Instagram. The 54-year-old, who said he is leaving his job in September, said he 'called out' BBC North for the lack of Black and Asian staff working for them almost two years ago. However, he noticed how "not a damn thing changed". In a clip shared with fans, he said from his car: "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 people have to understand is when you walk into an environment where you just don't see anybody that looks like you. That has an effect and since I called them out on it, well over a year and a half ago it seems like ain't a damn thing changed." READ MORE: Apple iOS 26 could convince users to upgrade - this iPhone 16 deal stands out He captioned the post: "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 will be leaving in September. Have pondered whether to press 'share' on this, but as I am leaving anyway..." A spokesperson for the BBC said: "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.' Last year, the proportions of all employees from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds was at 17.2%, an increase for the BBC. They are also focusing on reaching their goal of 20% Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff by March next year. Meanwhile, fans took to the comment section to share their support for the presenter, with one person writing: "100% agree… seeing is believing. "If organisations took the time to create environments where everyone felt welcome and could bring their trueselves, you'd wonder what amazing things they could achieve." Another said: "Diversity and inclusion isn't something we should need to fight for. But yet here we are, bored of telling the white man at the top." In May 2024, Nihal announced he was quitting his daytime show on BBC Radio 5 Live. He had worked for the BBC since 2002 where he first joined as a BBC Radio 1 co-host on the Asian Beats show. He then became a weekend breakfast show host on the radio channel in 2007 before being moved to a weekend afternoon slot the following year. Nihal began hosting BBC Radio 1's Review With Nihal in 2009 - while also hosting shows on the Asian Network from 2007. He left BBC Radio 1 in 2014 and began carving out a successful career on the airwaves from 2016 by helming discussion shows and panels. The star then joined 5 Live in 2016 and helmed the afternoon slot on the show that hit the air from 1pm until 4pm from Monday to Thursday.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
Three teens arrested after double stabbing in park
Three teenagers have been arrested after two boys, both aged 15, were stabbed in a park. Lancashire Police said a 14-year-old boy had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and affray, while a 15-year-old boy had been detained on suspicion of wounding and affray. The force said a third boy, also 15, had been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. The alleged assaults happened at about 16:00 BST on Monday, near Moor Park on Blackpool Road in Preston. One of the injured boys is in a serious but stable condition while the others' injuries are "less serious", said a force spokesman. Police said the three suspects, who are all from Preston, remained in custody. Det Ch Insp Sean Kelly-Martland said: "This incident has left a young man with some very significant injuries. "While we have now made a number of arrests as part of our investigation, I would continue to appeal to anyone who may have seen what happened - or who has any information or footage which may assist us - to get in touch." He added: "We are particularly interested in seeing any dashcam or CCTV footage of Blackpool Road and Moor Park Avenue between 3.30pm and 4.15pm." He said patrols had been increased in the area. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. Two boys, 15, injured in stabbing at park Lancashire Police
