More on ageism at BBC, presenter told HD tv would be crunch time because of her wrinkles!

[sethstarkaddersmum]

...and then sacked.

here

Miriam O'Reilly, from Countryfile.
''I also remember that in about March 2008, when I expressed my concern about visible signs of ageing effecting my career to Director Louise Pyne she said 'it's time for Botox'.
'Even though I really wanted to keep my job, I didn't want to have Botox.'

will watch with interest....

Amanda Platell cheering her on.
Pity she had to do it by slagging off Most Other Women, but still....

I absolutely hate all the ageism and sexism against women on TV. I think some of the younger women presenting seem very insubstantial compared to their knocked off older counterparts. (Alesha Dixon anyone???!)
A few wrinkles should not mean the end of a womans career. And what after Botox if they agree to that, a facelift??

I would love to see more older, well presented, intelligent women in prime positions on TV as are men. Women have more to offer than just a (young) pretty face.

The words of older women have always been devalued though haven't they. Men acquire "gravitas" while women become "silly old women". ("This was a chat between friends about Botox" wasn't it dearie)

Terry Wogan is 72, Bruce Forsyth is 82, David Dimbleby is 72 - admittedly Terry has been "downgraded" recently but only after literally decades of ubiquity. Forsyth and Dimbleby front two of the most high profile shows on TV.

I literally can't think of a male presenter in his 20s, outside of kids' TV. I like to see a range of ages and looks of people on television because I am more interested in what they have to contribute, and if I am only seeing one kind of person (smooth young women for instance) than it is obvious that something fishy is going on, and we are being deprived of what other kinds of person have to offer. Flicked past an old programme about Hattie Jacques the other night, that had contributions from Mo Mowlem. She was plump and balding after cancer treatment, but that doesn't make me want to hide behind the sofa - who are these wimps who can't listen to a woman without her being approved as shag-ready?

Actually I asked an ex-boyfriend of mine years ago why so many men/boys have the visceral "ugh" reaction to overweight/older/not to their taste women in the vicinity. His answer was that they thought about having sex with every woman they saw, and if they wouldn't fancy it then they get the visceral "ugh" reaction. As if her existence in front of their eyes is a personal insult. The idea that they could just accept her existence without wanting to shag her apparently is a leap too far. I know not all men think like this but I suspect lots do :(

latest (thank you for the detailed coverage Daily Mail! )

'But he said the former BBC1 controller had made it clear she did not feel Mrs O?Reilly and Mrs Smith had the ?necessary profile? to present a prime time show and regarded them both primarily as radio presenter.
He later conceded that both women had only been discussed briefly in relation to the new show - despite admitting ?they played a huge part in the success? of Countryfile when it broadcast on Sunday mornings.
Mr Thorman revealed Sir Trevor McDonald, and two much younger, little known presenters, Ellie Harrison and Emma Massingale, had been suggested as options in case Miss Bradbury did not join.'

so - 'she didn't have the profile' used as an excuse but then some young unknowns suggested instead.

tut tut, Daily Mail

In today's instalment they make out Jay Hunt is not credible when she says looks don't matter at the BBC because she turned up at the hearing wearing a different outfit each day

Let's not make this about what women are wearing, shall we, and let's not attempt to spin it as woman vs woman.
Jay Hunt is in a difficult position as a senior woman in a male-dominated organisation. The issue isn't whether SHE is anti-woman, it is whether there is a whole sexist, anti-mature-woman culture at the BBC.

The fact remains that TV is a visual medium. It's not just the BBC, it's something which affects all broadcasters. And so, because the focus is on the visual, if you're a wrinkly woman you're out, because who knows what damage you might wreak upon the nation?

It's like the younger woman/ older man presenter pairing on shows like Strictly. You'd never see it the other way round.

Aren't there better attitudes towards women presenters ageing in other European countries? I'm sure this says something about UK culture that we treat women this way while those we think of as our counterparts don't.

they're doing the 'actually she was rubbish at her job' bit now - that was always going to happen.
Must be such a horrible thing to go through, so brave of her to do it.

Hey! the good news is that Miriam has won her case & the BBC have been found guilty of ageism (& rather worringly victimisation too). Although having said that, I heard Greg Dyke, BBC controller (?), interviewed on the radio on Wednesday and he sounded very complacent. So lets hope that from now on managers like him are not allowed to continue with this discriminatory attitude...

it's great isn't it?
I didn't actually think she would win at all.

thread here