Writing in the Telegraph this week, Selina Scott, 59, talks about the report she's compiled (together with Age UK) on sexism and ageism at the BBC and how she's never felt comfortable with the discrimination against women at the corporation:
'Of course the BBC is not alone in creating a youth-obsessed society in which anyone over 50 is considered redundant and of no value. However, it is the leading reflector of social values. It creates attitudes and therefore how the BBC shapes its programmes and who presents them exerts an influence, usually subconsciously, on us all. With what some think is staggering self-regard, the BBC described itself in its annual report published this week as “Britain’s favourite channel … at the heart of our cultural life” and “part of the national conversation”.
If the BBC really believes it is part of the national conversation it is a pretty dumbed-down conversation we’re having. If all we ever see on television is young people and older women either treated as joke figures or presenting themselves as caricature – Anne Robinson as Cruella de Vil or Loose Women as gossiping harpies - what are we to think?'
So, what are we to think?
Read the full article here