BBC complaint about Jon Sopel & John Humphrys

[TheMShip]

I complained to the BBC last week. This is what I said:

"Complaint Summary: John Humphrys

Full Complaint: I'm disgusted that JH is still on air after his recorded conversation with Jon Sopel. Why is he allowed to conduct interviews on the topic of equal pay while female journalists who have made public comments are not?"

This was their response, received today:

"Thank you for contacting us about the off-air conversation between Jon Sopel and John Humphrys. The BBC has been clear that this was an ill-advised conversation and has stated that it is committed to getting its pay structures right. It is conducting a comprehensive analysis of presenter pay which is expected to be published at the end of the month.

John Humphrys is bound by the same rules on impartiality as all other BBC presenters. Staff are entitled to their own opinions but if they choose to campaign on a topic publicly, then judgements are made as to whether they can go on to interview people on that subject. In this case, John was clearly not ‘campaigning’ on the topic.

We are grateful that you have taken the time to contact us. Please be assured that your complaint has been included on our audience feedback report that is seen by BBC senior management."

I feel like they've completely side-stepped the issue. Yes, JH was not "campaigning" on the topic, but he clearly has biased views about it and should not have been presenting on it.

Yes, they've missed the point of your complaint.
As for their commitment, they've had 50 years since the Equal Pay Act was introduced and 18 years since the Equal Rights Act, so IDK why they think thats relevant.

Interesting. I sent this:
I am sickened by the treatment of many women who work for the BBC. They need to be paid exactly the same as males who work for the organisation and not be punished for speaking out about injustice and inequality. I think John Humphreys represents much of what is rotten in your patriarchal sector. He is an aggressive person who will not let others be heard and sneers with other silly 'boys' when women challenge their comfortable little niches and campaign for equality for all people.

And received EXACTLY the same email!!!!! Ho Hum!

@ct1010 yes I suspect it's their default about this situation, which is why it doesn't really answer the question.