BBC Radio Suffolk presenter James Hazell was judged to have breached his contract by using the C-word to refer to two female co-workers with whom he had "increasingly strained relationships", according to editor Peter Cook, who gave evidence to an employment tribunal. It is understood that 14 chief presenter roles are to be cut overall. James Hazell claimed the BBC discriminated against him due to his depression, Peter Cook, executive editor of BBC Radio Suffolk, said he terminated Mr Hazell's contract as a result of the allegations, rather than any other issues, James Hazell presented the mid-morning programme on BBC Radio Suffolk. On Thursday 26 October 2017 some of those who had complained about his behaviour were told Riley had been suspended, only to hear him presenting a show on 5 Live later than evening. But employment judge Kevin Palmer, who presided over the hearing at Bury St Edmunds County Court, deemed that BBC editor Peter Cook's decision was based solely on the two incidents and was unrelated to Mr Hazell's depression. Bruce announced in January that he would be leaving the BBC to join Greatest Hits Radio, becoming the latest experienced presenter to leave the broadcaster, following Paul OGrady and Venssas Feltz. James Hazell, who now presents for Gen X Radio in the county, had claimed that the BBC discriminated against him because of his depression after he was dismissed for 'using the C-word' to describe colleagues. Mr Hazell, who presented the mid-morning show, allegedly made the "C-word" comment about his team members when speaking to a colleague called Connor Bennett. Tiffany Calver is stepping down from 1Xtras Rap Show and will be replayed by Kenny Allstar. Riley was eventually suspended the following day, prompting a formal investigation. Pougatch, 51, had been with 5 Live since its inception in 1994 and was a. Baker captioned it: "Royal baby leaves hospital." 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He remained with the channel until November 1998 and was a relatively popular presence on the station. READ MORE: Sarah Lancashire spoke up to change Happy Valley ending. Davie, who took over from Lord Tony Hall as director-general in September 2020, has overseen a slimming down of about 1,200 jobs to date and has said about 1,000 more will go in the next few years. Bruce thanked his listeners and his colleagues, as well as his employer , saying: "I've been here for a long time, and apart from the occasional vagary, it is still the finest broadcasting organisation in the world.". merge its UK and international news channels in May. We just never really wanted them. A BBC editor has told a tribunal he had no option other than to sack a radio presenter who allegedly used a swear word to describe two colleagues. The BBC has sacked Danny Baker, saying he showed a "serious error of judgement" over his tweet about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's baby. 'Drunk' BBC Radio Stoke presenter Paula White slurs through her final show. Updated: 10:53, 2 Mar 2023 RADIO 1 DJ Tiffany Calver is stepping down from 1Xtra's Rap Show after four years. Liz said: "Well, I've been waiting for the evidence to pile up because we all thought that but I think there's a really clear cut case now. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. And for all those people we gave a voice to. Matthew Amroliwala has worked for the BBC since 1989 and has largely been at the forefront of its UK political coverage. The alleged comment had been relayed to Employee A and Ms Park by the time they met Mr Hazell in a pub on 1 July 2021. The former 5 Live presenter George Riley will never work for the BBC again, staff have been told, after multiple accusations of sexual assault were made against the presenter. Let's dive into our overview of sacked talkSPORT presenters. BBC Radio 5 Live has been accused of being driven by a 'pathetic diversity agenda' following the exit of Mark Pougatch. He joins a presenting line up. "We do not doubt that he followed an investigation after these incidents were reported to him. Kay previously filled in for other Radio 2 presenters including Zoe Ball and Scott . Speaking to the Dorset Echo in 2002, he said: ', Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA, Ken Bruce finishes his 30-year tenure as host of BBC Radio 2, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Last year saw BBC Radio 1 undergo a huge shake up when Scott Mills left. More info. MORE:Naga Munchetty's eclectic Hertfordshire home has the boldest interiors, MORE:Naga Munchetty is a radiant bride in rarely-seen wedding photo, One person wrote: "Missed you this morning, my Saturday isnt the same without a bit of Naga. The NUJ said that ultimately the number of existing staff losing their jobs could be higher than the BBC has indicated, and that the merging of the two channels would mean the 143 journalism roles being officially closed. Simon Mayo, former Radio 2 presenter, said that Bruces departure had been handled badly. Ken Bruce, 72, was forced out of his radio show early after sharing his decision to leave the station, Will you miss Ken Bruce being on Radio 2? Younger white men in their 40s. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Sian Welby is from Upton, a small village in Nottinghamshire, England. This was more than a radio show it was my entire social life. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Meanwhile, when asked what affect her own sacking had on her, Liz explained she wasn't surprised by it. QVC presenters in the line of jewellery (2009 to present) The 43-year-old comes from Scottish highlands and grew up under the care of her stepfather John Usher Davis and mother Lynda Usher Davis. 'We're incredibly proud that during the pandemic local radio has been such an important source of news, information and comfort to audiences of all ages. In June last year, 63-year-old Liz Kershaw was replaced on her Saturday afternoon Radio 6 show by 31-year-old Jamz Supernova. BBC News presenters: World News presenter Maryam Moshiri. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Ms Franklin said a noticeable grey streak at the front of her hair was the reason why she was told she looked too old, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. Unlike young men, our young women dont get to see where they are going as they age, she said. Bruce presented his final mid-morning Radio 2 show after 30 years behind the microphone, and despite saying it was a shame to be put on gardening leave, signed off with the quick goodbye he had promised. The way audiences consume news is changing, said Naja Nielsen, digital director at BBC News. Writing in The Independent, the former presenter she was objectified in a way that few men in the workplace or male TV presenters ever experience. They are both highly engaging presenters who made me laugh so much in their company. Returning to Wogan House [the station's headquarters] for a week after a month of broadcasting the Piano Room sessions at Maida Vale provided a natural break. Their departures have invited some uncomfortable headlines and questions for the corporation in. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Theyre a testament to the success of our Christmas Takeover initiative and Im thrilled it will enable them to bring a smile to the nation on daytime. A BBC Radio 1 presenter has been replaced after four years on air. A former BBC presenter has claimed she was threatened with the sack for being "too old" when she was in her thirties. ", BBC boss says he sacked presenter due to swearing, Depressed presenter accuses BBC of discrimination, Rogue trader offering 'cheap trees' targeting homes in Suffolk, Suffolk: Five of the best pubs to listen to live music, Suffolk: Best cheap eat restaurants to try across the county, Man left with split lip after being punched in the face, How these Welsh cakes inspire the flavour of home for one chef, How this town could become a bitcoin destination, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. Liz added she thinks it could be time to "organise a class action". The new channel will remain ad-free in the UK. BBC News provides television journalism to BBC Onebulletins and the rolling news channels BBC World Newsand the BBC News Channelin the United Kingdom. We call on the BBC to again rethink this cost-cutting idea. ", BBC Beyond Paradise star Jamie Bamber is married to Eastenders actress. ITV Coronation Street star announces full-time return to soap - leaving fans delighted. While Naga has yet to address her absence on the show, she may have taken the last few days off work to celebrate her birthday, which landed on Saturday 25 February. Dorries has called the licence fee outdated and discriminatory as all households pay the same amount regardless of income. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Ms Franklin said after she was told she was going to be wound down, she made the grey streak in her hair her trademark. Ex-BBC Radio Suffolk DJ James Hazell was dismissed for allegedly calling two colleagues . Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts. Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. I think he is considering several areas but if you look at his comments then the obvious one is ageism.'. We accept that these conclusions were genuinely reached by Mr Cook and genuinely held. BBC News presenters: Award-winning journalist Yalda Hakim. The BBC declined to comment on Ms Franklins claims. The judge also accepted Mr Cook's argument that a similar situation arising from a presenter without depression would have ended in the "same conclusion". BBC Radio 2 accused of 'clear cut ageism' by Liz Kershaw, Liz Kershaw has accused BBC Radio 2 of ageism, Ken Bruce has revealed his final show on the BBC was brought forward, Vernon Kay is replacing Ken on his iconic weekday slot, Vernon's dad warned him he has 'big shoes to fill', BBC Radio 2 forced Ken Bruce out early after signing for rival station left 'sour taste', Vernon Kays dad warns he has big shoes to fill as he replaces Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 2's Zoe Ball says 'I'll be lucky to be here in two years' after schedule change, BBC reuploads Sabrina Carpenter's 'rude' Live Lounge amid fan speculation around song, Vernon Kay issues statement on Ken Bruce as Radio 2 veteran claims he's been 'forced out. 'He's had a regular show for two decades.'. Now, the broadcaster has. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. The last year with the pandemic has shown just how deep Nicky's connection is with our. She has previously accused the BBC of ageism when it was revealed she was sacked from her radio show. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter', Why half of India's urban women stay at home. It says of his Saturday night show: 'Staying in on a Saturday night is definitely the new 'going out' - especially when you've got David Allen to tune into.'. She has pointed to fairer models used in other countries, such as Germany, involving linking it to council tax. ", The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. Radio 5 Live presenter Danny Baker was fired by the BBC on May 6, 2019, after posting a tweet about baby Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor . READ MORE Jeremy Clarkson addresses reports he's been axed from ITV Who Wants to be a Millionaire. The BBC said UK viewers would continue to receive specific content at certain times of the day, and during certain high profile news stories, and there will be production capacity for a domestic-only broadcast stream for major UK-specifc news events. She's well-known for hosting the breakfast show on BBC Radio Kent. BBC radio star Danny Baker has been fired over a "racist" royal baby tweet showing a picture of a monkey that he posted last night. HP10 9TY. ITV Dancing On Ice's Christopher Dean issues Jayne Torvill health announcement. Ms Kershaw later tweeted: I got sacked from @BBC6Music because they dont want women over 60.. 'I can only assume that, although I have lots of listeners, they are the wrong type of listeners which I think is very sad and short-sighted. A BBC Radio 2 spokesperson told the Mirror: "We respect Kens decision and wish him the very best of luck in the future as hes been a much loved part of the Radio 2 family. Who are the five new BBC News presenters? After only a few months the presenter, who is also a keen tennis player, quit and returned to Dorset where he found a position freelancing for the BBC. BBC host David Allen is none too pleased his show has been axed (Picture: Twitter) Veteran BBC radio presenter David Allen has hit out at the broadcaster . Paul Siegert, the national broadcasting organiser at the National Union of Journalists, said the plan to service an international audience with substantially fewer staff while maintaining the existing high standards of production and journalism would not be achievable. 'As I say this was not my decision. Northern Ireland. When the presenter first joined the hospital radio station, he described how he had to broadcast from a cramped attic in Westbourne Hospital and was asked to do a Saturday sports programme within just two weeks of joining. Former BBC Radio Suffolk presenter James Hazell said he was discriminated against on the grounds of his depression. Last year, broadcaster Libby Purves, who has presented on Radio 4 for 40 years, said the growth of websites and social media had made BBC bosses increasingly concerned with image. Multiple sources said this was clearly understood by those present to be a reference to Riley. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. "I look forward to playing some of the best music in the world whilst in the company of the Radio 2 listeners who I feel Ive got to know over the last 18 months. While referencing these issues on the Today programme ahead of his final broadcast, Bruce made no reference to controversy on his own show, which he said would contain good music and no secret messages or hidden agendas. Part of this rebranding means cutting 70 jobs overall, including 14 presenters, leaving just five dedicated presenters, which is expected to save the BBC more than 1million. See what she said in the video below. contact the editor here. Mr Palmer also told the court disability was "not in the mind" of Mr Cook at the time of the investigation and the decision to terminate employment. A large number of presenters have left the BBC in recent months - either by force or by choice. The plans will see a significant cut in the number of presenters who currently work across the BBC News channel and BBC World News, with fewer higher-profile on-screen staff set to retain the title chief presenter, while correspondents are to be given the opportunity for more on-air presenting time. The BBCs annual report lists names including Clive Myrie, Reeta Chakrabarti, Victoria Derbyshire, Ben Brown and Joanna Gosling who combined are paid more than 1m for work across the BBC as presenters on the BBC News channel. In 2002, after a long stint filling in for Richard Cartridge, Mr Allen was hauled out of his understudy role and asked to take over the Saturday night slot on BBC Radio Solent. Presenters on the BBC News channel and BBC World News are set to be sacked as part of a raft of 70 job cuts in the UK in a plan to create a single more digitally focused rolling news service. The new channel will be broadcast from London during UK daytime hours, and then from Singapore and Washington. But employment judge Kevin Palmer said the misconduct investigation and dismissal were "clearly not because of disability". She has worked for the BBC since 1999 and has presented major news events like the US Presidential Elections and her award-winning coverage of the Australian fires. 'So I have to say I was rather shocked when I was told about their decision. 2023 BBC. "Evidence was brought to Mr Cook, he investigated them and came to a conclusion and that conclusion was the claimant was guilty and decided to terminate on the basis of that investigation. Speaking in June last year, Liz tweeted: "I got sacked from @BBC6Music because they dont want women over 60". Mel Evans Wednesday 28 Apr 2021 2:08 pm. We keep complainants informed as appropriate., Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Ms Franklin said a noticeable grey streak at the front of her hair was the reason behind the remark and she was shocked to be told this. Latest News. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. We wish Ken all the best for the future. 'I'm unbelievably proud of what our team and our show have achieved in under five years, breaking tonnes of original stories (which we were asked to do); attracting a working class, young diverse audience that BBC radio and TV news progs just don't reach (which we were asked to do): and smashing the digital figures (Which we were asked to do). Ken Bruce said it was a shame to be leaving BBC 2 early, but wrapped up his final show without making a fuss. 'We have listeners on this show from all ages from 15 to 101. The former face of the BBC's GAA coverage has attacked the corporation claiming it promoted "Protestant-supported sports" over Gaelic games. "The decision to investigate and terminate might be unfavourable but this is not something arising from the disability. 'I can only assume that, although I have lots of listeners, they are the wrong type of listeners which I think is very sad and short-sighted. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. 19. BBC News A radio presenter's claims he was sacked due to depression have been thrown out by an employment tribunal. The dad-of-three claimed he lasted just three . Here is the new confirmed line-up for the BBC news presenters. "Radio 2 is hugely proud of having a range of presenters from their 30s to 80 years old on the station, an age range which hasnt changed in decades, in fact Ken Bruce started presenting on Radio 2 at the age of 33. Speaking to the Dorset Echo in 2002, he said: 'I hated it. Peter Cook said BBC Radio Suffolk presenter James . 'There's so much great music from all eras and it seems rather strange that radio stations only want to play a limited range. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Skelly made the. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Mom who lost both sons to fentanyl blasts laughing Biden, Moment teenager crashes into back of lorry after 100mph police race, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Family of a 10-month-old baby filmed vaping open up, Hershey's Canada releases HER for SHE bars featuring a trans activist, Ukrainian soldier takes out five tanks with Javelin missiles. He continued to broadcast for a week after the initial allegations were made to BBC bosses, during which time some complainants were encouraged to go to the police with their claims by the internal investigation unit. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Editors' Code of Practice. The BBCs annual report, published earlier this week, showed that staff numbers in the corporations newsrooms are at their lowest level in a decade. A former BBC presenter has claimed she was threatened with the sack for being too old when she was in her thirties. "We've had Steve Wright, Ken Bruce and Paul O'Grady, Vanessa Feltz, all replaced by people, one is in his 30s, Owain Wyn Jones who's replacing Vanessa who was 60 when they sacked her. In 2014, a former BBC employee claimed that she and her female colleagues had been systematically sidelined and pushed out of the corporation once they reached their fifties. Sign up to our What to Watch newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. But for the sake of 17 days, which was all that was remaining (on my contract), it seems a shame.. Danny Baker, a broadcaster on BBC Radio 5 Live, was sacked on Thursday after posting an image on Twitter of a couple holding hands with a chimpanzee dressed in clothes and the caption: "Royal. A radio presenter's claims he was sacked due to depression have been thrown out by an employment tribunal. By DON'T MISS1000lb Sisters fans heartbroken as Amy Slaton confirms death [HEALTH]Vicky McClure finally addresses inappropriate premiere dress [CAST]Happy Valley's Ryan Cawood isn't a psychopath thanks to one key detail [EXPLAINER]. I can't believe they have not left him to do his last three shows. Mr Hazell said the BBC discriminated against him due to his depression. Married Allen, from Bournemouth, Dorset, began his radio career at Bournemouth Hospital Radio broadcasting to different hospitals. NI Protocol . Matthew has also worked as a general news reporter, as well as foreign correspondent. However, prior to the pub meeting, the presenter was alleged to have told colleague Connor Bennett 'my team are being c****' and the two women had been made aware of the slur. A Gannett Company. 'I was doing 12-hour shifts at this place in Middlesex, writing all the traffic and travel pages for Teletext, supplying stuff for radio, TV it was not enjoyable.'. Katie Weston For Mailonline Following a spell off social media, he has recently returned to being a prolific tweeter, sharing messages about how 2018 had been a tough year and thanking his family for supporting him during a difficult period. "The tribunal finds that the claimant's claims must fail, they do and are dismissed. 13:33 EST 29 Apr 2021 I always wanted to one day be the host of this powerful slot on these powerful networks. Timothy Leslie Boyd (Tommy Boyd) Prior presenter of the ITV children's program, Magpie, Tommy Boyd joined the talkSPORT station when it was still "Talk Radio" in 1995. The last excellent presenter was Rob Cowan, who for whatever reason left Radio 3 and moved to Classic FM. Mills and his co-host Chris Stark left last summer, with Mills moving to BBC Radio 2, and Stark leaving the BBC to join Global media company. BBC Radio 3 has relegated one of its best presenters to the afternoon graveyard slot with this statement: Ian Skelly joins Afternoon Concert from 12th April. He became a travel bulletin reader for AA Roadwatch before joining the BBC as a freelancer. ", Their afternoon slot on BBC Radio 1 will be filled by Dean McCullough and Vicky Hawkesworth. Mr Allen, who presented his Saturday night show for 20 years, is now understood to be considering taking legal action against the BBC which could involve lodging an ageism complaint. George Riley was suspended in 2017 following multiple accusations of sexual assault. 'But, I guess the majority are the older age group, that's the over 75s, who now have to pay their licence fee, so surely it's not too much to ask to have one programme in the week that caters for them and their musical choices. Ex-BBC Radio Suffolk DJ James Hazell was dismissed for allegedly calling two colleagues the "C-word" and threatening them not to complain about him. The station I told my mum I wanted to work at, but never in a million years thought I would. Plans for a new channel covering both UK and world news simply wont work, said Siegert. Thu 14 Jul 2022 10.20 EDT Last modified on Mon 18 Jul 2022 07.51 EDT Presenters on the BBC News channel and BBC World News are set to be sacked as part of a raft of 70 job cuts in the UK in. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. These included "a text about masturbation", "touching her leg and commenting on the fact she had shaved", and a "comment to her about having an erection in a station car". Caryn Franklin, now aged 64, was a presenter of the BBC's prime time The . Peter Cook, executive editor of BBC Radio Suffolk, said in his witness statement that there were "increasingly strained relationships" in Mr Hazell's team, "in particular" between him, Katharine Park and a woman referred to as Employee A in the summer of 2021. BBC Breakfast viewers love watching Naga on the programme and have often praised the journalist for her interviewing skills. Joining the five chief presenters at BBC News is Maryam Moshiri who has been a presenter on the World News for almost four years.