Latest news with #NihalArthanayake
Daily Mail
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BBC radio and TV star quits £145k job to do stand-up as he claims 'not fit for purpose' corporation is facing an 'existential crisis'
A radio and TV star who quit the BBC last month is set to make the switch to stand-up comedy as he claims the corporation is 'not fit for purpose'. Nihal Arthanayake, 54, has worked as a broadcaster for 23 years, presenting on Radio One and Asian Network. However he has now quit his £145,000 role on BBC Radio 5 Live after expressing concerns about the broadcaster's news coverage. He told The Times: 'I do feel that the BBC is in an existential crisis, especially BBC News.' He added: 'BBC News is ultimately at the heart of the BBC's trust, no one's looking at impartiality with Traitors or Strictly. 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.' Arthanayake has repeatedly called out the organisation for a lack of diversity. When he worked at BBC North in Manchester he said he did not see 'anyone who looked like me', saying it was as much about class as colour or faith. He added that he believed there was not a single Muslim in the senior editorial processes at BBC Five Live. He admitted he has not had a leaving party, adding that he would not want to have a drink with anyone in BBC management. The presenter is set to take a considerable pay cut as part of his career change, which he described as 'terrifying' but is optimistic about taking to the stage. Arthanayake said he has experience of hecklers through working on radio, but was also not concerned about 'dying on stage', as he believes he will only get better. He said he has seen or interviewed comedians who he did not think were 'very good' and believes he is funnier. Currently his only experience of stand-up is limited to making jokes on the radio or hosting gigs. At one event he mocked London Mayor Sadiq Khan saying 'There goes Sadiq Khan, the son of a bus driver — although you'd never know it because he never mentions it'. He said his comedy heroes included David Letterman, Dave Chappelle and Romesh Ranganathan. Ranganathan is not just a friend and fellow Sri-Lankan to Arthanayake, but says he admires his journey to the epicentre of mainstream media. Alongside his move to comedy, the presenter is also writing a book about integration and interviewing musicians on a podcast for a record label. Arthanayake's stand-up debut is set to be part of the Sri-Lankan Culture Collective Festival this weekend. After quitting the BBC last month, he accused the corporation of 'treating their staff like pets. 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.' Back in 2023, Nihal told a journalism diversity conference an 'overwhelmingly white' working environment was affecting his mental health. 'It's really affecting me that I walk in and all I see is white people.' His colleagues' response when he told them this was to reply defensively that they were not being racist, he claimed as he said that was missing the point.
The Irish Sun
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
BBC radio star to pursue very different career after quitting station and slamming bosses for ‘treating staff like pets'
A VETERAN BBC radio presenter is having a major career change after quitting and accusing the Corporation of "treating staff like pets". 3 BBC radio presenter Nihal Arthanayake has quit the station after 23 years Credit: PA 3 Nihal slammed BBC bosses and will now pursue a career in stand-up comedy Credit: Instagram 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 'I couldn't be happy there any more,' he told 'I do feel that the BBC is in an existential crisis, especially BBC News.' bbc 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. Most read in TV "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.' 3 Nihal said he does not believe the BBC culture can change with present management Credit: Instagram
Scottish Sun
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC radio star to pursue very different career after quitting station and slamming bosses for ‘treating staff like pets'
He first spoke out about the BBC a year ago bbc-ya BBC radio star to pursue very different career after quitting station and slamming bosses for 'treating staff like pets' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. 3 BBC radio presenter Nihal Arthanayake has quit the station after 23 years Credit: PA 3 Nihal slammed BBC bosses and will now pursue a career in stand-up comedy Credit: Instagram 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.'
The Sun
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
BBC radio star to pursue very different career after quitting station and slamming bosses for ‘treating staff like pets'
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. 3 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.' 3
Times
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Nihal Arthanayake: The BBC is not fit for purpose, I'm quitting to do stand-up
Over the past decade Nihal Arthanayake has established himself as one of our best interviewers, his attentive, well-researched encounters with stars such as Billy Connolly, Elton John and Liam Gallagher making his BBC 5 Live shows and podcasts appointment listening. As a radio presenter he stayed cool in the hot seat during the 7/7 attacks and on the day the Queen died, and he has won two Sony awards, once the most prestigious in radio. Yet Arthanayake, 54, has just resigned from the BBC after 23 years and on Saturday he makes his debut as a stand-up comedian. As career changes go, that's some left turn. He says it's less the product of a midlife crisis, as he joked on social media, than boredom with the job and dissatisfaction with the BBC. 'I couldn't be happy there any more,' he says, having repeatedly criticised the corporation for its lack of diversity. 'I do feel that the BBC is in an existential crisis, especially BBC News.' More on that later. A bigger factor, Arthanayake says, speaking at his home in Stockport, Greater Manchester, is that 'I've spent most of my life in a radio studio in front of a microphone on my own. I no longer feel any challenge in broadcasting'. The thought of doing stand-up is 'terrifying', he admits, and 'saying goodbye to £145,000 a year' isn't far behind, 'but I've got this bizarre optimism that it will all be OK'. That's partly because all of his other career switches have turned out pretty well. Born and raised in Harlow, Essex, by Sri Lankan parents, he started out in the late Eighties as a rapper called MC Krayzee A, going on to work with the likes of Fun-Da-Mental and Panjabi MC. After that he was a publicist for musicians including his future interviewee Elton John and Mos Def, then a music journalist for The Face and Mixmag, and a television presenter on BBC2, Channel 4 and MTV. On BBC Radio he has moved from Radio 1 to the Asian Network to 5 Live. In 2022 he published a book, Let's Talk, a guide to having better conversations. 'It's a kind of creative ADHD,' he says. 'What's next, what's next, what's next?' Although his stand-up experience is limited to a few minutes on one of his radio shows, he says he is expected to be funny when he hosts events. At one he roasted Sadiq Khan, the London mayor. 'I said, 'There goes Sadiq Khan, the son of a bus driver — although you'd never know it because he never mentions it.'' Arthanayake's comedy heroes include David Letterman, Dave Chappelle and Romesh Ranganathan, whom he admires 'not just because he's a friend and Sri Lankan. To make his journey to the epicentre of mainstream consciousness is not to be underestimated'. Ranganathan has also proved that there are transferable skills between radio and stand-up. 'Radio does teach you to be very quick, especially the phone-ins,' Arthanayake says, so he hopes he can handle hecklers. Confidence is all. When he takes to the stage at the Battersea Arts Centre at the weekend he will do what he does when hosting corporate events: try to be like Jimmy Fallon and the other big American talk show hosts. 'Those guys come on stage and they're just like, 'Everybody loves me,'' he says. And if they don't love him, well, he's had far worse. 'I covered for Chris Moyles on Radio 1 Breakfast once over Christmas and the hatred on the text machine …' he recalls. More recently he has been 'at the centre of media storms. People have said they wanted to kill me, accused me of being anti-white and a race-baiter'. Having weathered that kind of abuse, he says: 'I can't think of many things that would make me crumble. Maybe I'm fooling myself and [comedy] will be hideous, but I almost want to know what that's like to die on stage, because I'll only get better.' Those media storms often stemmed from Arthanayake's criticism of the lack of diversity at BBC North in Manchester, where he moved to from London nine years ago with his Sri Lankan-American wife, Eesha, and their son and daughter, who are teenagers. 'I didn't see anyone who looked like me and it's as much about class as it is about colour — and faith,' he says. 'I've been told by a number of people of colour who work in production, even presenters, how marginalised they felt at BBC North.' He 'utterly concurs' with Gary Lineker's comment that the corporation 'tries to appease the people that hate the BBC … rather than worry about the people that love the BBC'. Arthanayake pauses. 'I'm going to get myself in trouble here,' he says. 'I don't think it 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 Traitors or Strictly. 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,' he believes. • Don't call the countryside racist, says presenter — it's for everyone He has never had a meeting with anyone at the top, he says. 'The impression given to me by people within 5 Live was almost as if colonial missives were sent from London.' If he could speak to Tim Davie, the director-general, he says he would ask him what programmes he's ever made. 'It would be remiss of me to shut up [about diversity] but it comes with a cost,' Arthanayake says. 'In some sections of the BBC I'm persona non grata and I'm comfortable with that because they're not my friends.' He won't have a leaving do, he says. 'What's the point?' Having made his feelings clear about the BBC management, 'I wouldn't want to have a drink with any of them'. There is plenty else on his plate, notably writing a book on integration, an important subject, he says, because 'I'm a minority and I fear that one day the majority will turn on me'. He is also interviewing musicians on a podcast for a record label. First, though, is that stand-up debut. It's part of the Sri Lankan Culture Collective Festival, so he will tailor his material to a diaspora audience. When he hosts the Asian Business awards he gets everyone to point at the richest person on their table, which always gets a 'massive laugh'. Has he invited Ranganathan? 'Hell no! He would be so supportive but I would spend the entire time on stage watching him taking selfies with people.' When he announced his career change on social media, the comedian Doc Brown wrote simply: 'Welcome to hell.' Yet Arthanayake's chutzpah is undented and he hopes this show is the first of many. 'At the risk of sounding like someone who sits on a football terrace and says, 'I could do better than that,' there are some stand-ups I've interviewed, or seen, who I don't think are very good. I think I'm funnier.' Judging by his last few careers, he may well be right. Nihal Arthanayake appears at the Sri Lankan Culture Collective Festival, Battersea Arts Centre, London, on July 26 (
