Former BBC newsreader Selina Scott has re-ignited the ageism row involving the corporation by stating that it excludes women who have crossed the age of 50.
London, Jan 14 : Former BBC newsreader Selina Scott has re-ignited the ageism row involving the corporation by stating that it 'excludes' women who have crossed the age of 50.
The 56-year-old Ms Scott, who was the face of BBC Breakfast when it began in 1983, lashed out at the corporation for the way it dropped older women presenters for younger ones, even though older men continued to enjoy their time on air.
"How many women are there on mainstream current-affairs programmes who are over 50?" The Telegraph quoted her, as saying.
"Anna Ford has retired, Moira Stuart has been bumped off, yet you look around and see lots of men."
"So often you see people coming through the system without a strong journalistic background, who haven't covered a wide range of stories.
"Women are taken on because they are intelligent and good-looking but not because of the experience they've had in breaking or covering stories.
"I go to America a lot and see a great raft of older women on television like Barbara Walters who inspire women of my age.
"Here, you can forget all that."
For their part, a BBC spokesman said: "We know that viewers and listeners appreciate a wide range of presenters of all ages.
"Presenters are chosen because they are the best in the field and appeal to the audience for the programme they front."
Ms Scott's remarks means that she has now joined a host of female veteran presenters including Kate Adie, Anna Ford and Angela Rippon, who have accused the BBC of ageism.
ANI