Four female BBC presenters cannot pursue complaints over gender pay discrimination as part of their lawsuit against the British broadcaster, a court has ruled.
During a preliminary hearing on Thursday, a London Central Employment Tribunal judge said Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh’s equal pay complaints will not be heard as part of a full tribunal.
The four presenters are suing the BBC, alleging that they were forced off air for a year and harassed as a result of a “rigged” recruitment process, according to witness statements submitted to the court. This central claim will still move forward to a full tribunal.
The claimants raised related concerns about equal pay, with Croxall telling the tribunal on Wednesday that “discrimination is baked into BBC pay structures.” She added that the corporation “grinds you down” and “breaks you” during equal pay disputes.
The BBC said it was pleased...
During a preliminary hearing on Thursday, a London Central Employment Tribunal judge said Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh’s equal pay complaints will not be heard as part of a full tribunal.
The four presenters are suing the BBC, alleging that they were forced off air for a year and harassed as a result of a “rigged” recruitment process, according to witness statements submitted to the court. This central claim will still move forward to a full tribunal.
The claimants raised related concerns about equal pay, with Croxall telling the tribunal on Wednesday that “discrimination is baked into BBC pay structures.” She added that the corporation “grinds you down” and “breaks you” during equal pay disputes.
The BBC said it was pleased...
- 5/3/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Four female BBC News presenters have commenced legal action against the UK broadcaster, arguing they were forced off air for a year and harassed as a result of a “rigged” recruitment process.
Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh were present at the London Central Employment Tribunal on Wednesday for a two-day preliminary hearing.
The seasoned BBC News anchors submitted near-identical witness statements to the tribunal, claiming that they were victims of a “sham” hiring process in January 2023.
The women, aged 48 to 54, said the process had caused them to suffer age and sex discrimination, equal pay concerns, and harassment, including facing a “hostile, degrading, intimidating environment in the workplace.”
The women applied to become a chief presenter on the rebooted BBC News channel, but allege that management had predetermined their preferred candidates before the hiring process began.
After challenging the BBC hiring process, Croxall, Giannone, Madera, and McVeigh said they lost their jobs,...
Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh were present at the London Central Employment Tribunal on Wednesday for a two-day preliminary hearing.
The seasoned BBC News anchors submitted near-identical witness statements to the tribunal, claiming that they were victims of a “sham” hiring process in January 2023.
The women, aged 48 to 54, said the process had caused them to suffer age and sex discrimination, equal pay concerns, and harassment, including facing a “hostile, degrading, intimidating environment in the workplace.”
The women applied to become a chief presenter on the rebooted BBC News channel, but allege that management had predetermined their preferred candidates before the hiring process began.
After challenging the BBC hiring process, Croxall, Giannone, Madera, and McVeigh said they lost their jobs,...
- 5/1/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated Exclusive: Five senior female BBC News channel presenters have commenced legal action against the British broadcaster after a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
Earlier on Thursday, Deadline reported that Martine Croxall was taking the BBC to an employment tribunal, according to a listing for a two-day hearing at London Central on May 1.
Martine Croxall is the listed litigant, but multiple sources said Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh are parties to the case. The presenters have been off air for over a year, though Guru-Murthy and McVeigh recently returned to the news channel.
It is the highest-profile tribunal faced by the BBC since the corporation lost a landmark gender pay battle with Newswatch host Samira Ahmed in 2020.
Details of the case against the BBC are not in the public domain, but the tribunal listing makes clear that the complaint involves issues including age and sex discrimination,...
Earlier on Thursday, Deadline reported that Martine Croxall was taking the BBC to an employment tribunal, according to a listing for a two-day hearing at London Central on May 1.
Martine Croxall is the listed litigant, but multiple sources said Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh are parties to the case. The presenters have been off air for over a year, though Guru-Murthy and McVeigh recently returned to the news channel.
It is the highest-profile tribunal faced by the BBC since the corporation lost a landmark gender pay battle with Newswatch host Samira Ahmed in 2020.
Details of the case against the BBC are not in the public domain, but the tribunal listing makes clear that the complaint involves issues including age and sex discrimination,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The BBC’s protracted stand-off with five seasoned female news channel presenters has taken another twist after the women were asked to reapply for jobs for a second time.
Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh have not been on BBC News for more than nine months amid a dispute over their future.
The women were not successful last year in landing one of five UK-based chief presenter roles on the relaunched news channel, but they later complained about the fairness of the recruitment process.
Several sources said BBC News has now invited the women to reapply for two chief presenter roles: one opened up by Yalda Hakim’s defection to Sky News and another newly-created position.
If they are unsuccessful, the news anchors are likely to be offered a correspondent/presenter role, though this would be considered a demotion for the experienced anchors.
Some...
Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh have not been on BBC News for more than nine months amid a dispute over their future.
The women were not successful last year in landing one of five UK-based chief presenter roles on the relaunched news channel, but they later complained about the fairness of the recruitment process.
Several sources said BBC News has now invited the women to reapply for two chief presenter roles: one opened up by Yalda Hakim’s defection to Sky News and another newly-created position.
If they are unsuccessful, the news anchors are likely to be offered a correspondent/presenter role, though this would be considered a demotion for the experienced anchors.
Some...
- 1/12/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Five female BBC news presenters have been off the air, on full pay, since March 2023, when BBC News Channel merged with BBC World News and dozens of roles were axed. Since then, the broadcaster has struggled to find new roles for the five, while the axing of the presenters, all female and experienced, has become something of a PR disaster.
Now The Times reports that the broadcaster plans to give all five presenters on-screen roles again in the coming months. The five women are Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera and Annita McVeigh – they are currently employed without job titles.
The Times quotes one insider predicting that “the BBC would perform a ‘reverse ferret’ to avoid any legal trouble with the women, who have more than 100 years of experience at the corporation between them. The paper adds that, collectively, they will have been paid hundreds of thousands of...
Now The Times reports that the broadcaster plans to give all five presenters on-screen roles again in the coming months. The five women are Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera and Annita McVeigh – they are currently employed without job titles.
The Times quotes one insider predicting that “the BBC would perform a ‘reverse ferret’ to avoid any legal trouble with the women, who have more than 100 years of experience at the corporation between them. The paper adds that, collectively, they will have been paid hundreds of thousands of...
- 1/7/2024
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: A BBC internal investigation has found that star presenters on its relaunched news channel were not promised their jobs before an open recruitment process.
Matthew Amroliwala, Christian Fraser, Yalda Hakim, Lucy Hockings, and Maryam Moshiri were announced in February as the chief presenters of BBC News, but unsuccessful candidates complained that managers decided on the line-up last year before allowing people to apply.
Daryl Maitland, head of Hr at production arm BBC Studios, was brought in to investigate the recruitment process. He delivered his report this week, concluding that the BBC was fair to the 15 presenters who applied for the five roles, which command salaries of up to £230,000.
He did not support claims that the five successful presenters were pre-selected because they were already familiar to international audiences on BBC World News.
Maitland is said to have reached this conclusion despite hearing evidence from a so-called “whistleblower” among the five presenters,...
Matthew Amroliwala, Christian Fraser, Yalda Hakim, Lucy Hockings, and Maryam Moshiri were announced in February as the chief presenters of BBC News, but unsuccessful candidates complained that managers decided on the line-up last year before allowing people to apply.
Daryl Maitland, head of Hr at production arm BBC Studios, was brought in to investigate the recruitment process. He delivered his report this week, concluding that the BBC was fair to the 15 presenters who applied for the five roles, which command salaries of up to £230,000.
He did not support claims that the five successful presenters were pre-selected because they were already familiar to international audiences on BBC World News.
Maitland is said to have reached this conclusion despite hearing evidence from a so-called “whistleblower” among the five presenters,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The BBC News channel has scaled back its “visualized radio” experiment around six months after it was a centerpiece of the network’s relaunch.
The news channel has halved the airtime handed over to Nicky Campbell’s BBC Radio 5 Live show, meaning he now has an hour-long slot on weekday mornings.
The BBC invested in new technology to allow it to broadcast Campbell’s audience phone-in show on TV after merging its international and domestic news channels into a single network in April.
In August, the BBC reduced the 9Am show to an hour in length on a trial basis amid the FIFA Women’s World Cup. It has now made the change permanent.
An insider said it has allowed the news channel to devote more time to speeches during political party conference season. There is also a feeling that it has helped make the BBC News channel’s morning output more “rounded.
The news channel has halved the airtime handed over to Nicky Campbell’s BBC Radio 5 Live show, meaning he now has an hour-long slot on weekday mornings.
The BBC invested in new technology to allow it to broadcast Campbell’s audience phone-in show on TV after merging its international and domestic news channels into a single network in April.
In August, the BBC reduced the 9Am show to an hour in length on a trial basis amid the FIFA Women’s World Cup. It has now made the change permanent.
An insider said it has allowed the news channel to devote more time to speeches during political party conference season. There is also a feeling that it has helped make the BBC News channel’s morning output more “rounded.
- 10/6/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The BBC is carrying out a review to establish whether it requires more news channel presenters as five senior female anchors remain in the dark about their future.
Deadline understands that BBC News management is assessing whether more on-screen talent is required to host its increased streaming output.
The BBC News channel relaunched in April, merging the UK broadcaster’s domestic and international news networks and boosting online content.
This included the launch of “single story streams” in which rolling news coverage is dedicated to one story on iPlayer or the BBC News website, such as Donald Trump’s indictment in New York.
The resourcing review has been ongoing for a number of weeks and insiders are speculating that it could be a way for the BBC to reintegrate the female presenters who have been benched for five months.
Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh...
Deadline understands that BBC News management is assessing whether more on-screen talent is required to host its increased streaming output.
The BBC News channel relaunched in April, merging the UK broadcaster’s domestic and international news networks and boosting online content.
This included the launch of “single story streams” in which rolling news coverage is dedicated to one story on iPlayer or the BBC News website, such as Donald Trump’s indictment in New York.
The resourcing review has been ongoing for a number of weeks and insiders are speculating that it could be a way for the BBC to reintegrate the female presenters who have been benched for five months.
Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh...
- 8/30/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The BBC is facing growing pressure to find a resolution for five seasoned female presenters, many of whom have been unable to work for months amid a merger of the corporation’s UK and international news channels.
The women have not presented on the BBC News channel since March and some have been at home against their wishes as the broadcaster establishes the structure of its slimmed-down rolling news operation.
The five anchors impacted are Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh. Between them, they have more than 100 years of experience working at the BBC.
Deadline understands that there is currently no clear resolution to the impasse, but colleagues are increasingly angry about the BBC’s treatment of the women.
The BBC is also facing questions about how much money it is wasting while the senior anchors sit on the bench, with some estimating that...
The women have not presented on the BBC News channel since March and some have been at home against their wishes as the broadcaster establishes the structure of its slimmed-down rolling news operation.
The five anchors impacted are Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh. Between them, they have more than 100 years of experience working at the BBC.
Deadline understands that there is currently no clear resolution to the impasse, but colleagues are increasingly angry about the BBC’s treatment of the women.
The BBC is also facing questions about how much money it is wasting while the senior anchors sit on the bench, with some estimating that...
- 6/20/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: BBC News will make sweeping changes to its news channel presenting line-up from next week, with a number of seasoned anchors dropping off air.
The British broadcaster is merging its UK and World News stations into a single channel, with changes gradually being introduced from April 3.
Audiences are unlikely to notice a “big bang” overhaul, but one of the most notable differences will be the channel’s presenter lineup.
Newsroom sources also expect BBC management to rethink plans to reduce UK news amid fears that the merger could dilute domestic output and damage viewing figures. The BBC said the channel always planned to carry UK news for local viewers.
From next week, five journalists will take up Chief Presenter roles, including Matthew Amroliwala, Yalda Hakim, Christian Fraser, Lucy Hockings, and Maryam Moshiri.
A further 10 UK-based presenters were unsuccessful in applying for these roles, and Deadline hears that many have...
The British broadcaster is merging its UK and World News stations into a single channel, with changes gradually being introduced from April 3.
Audiences are unlikely to notice a “big bang” overhaul, but one of the most notable differences will be the channel’s presenter lineup.
Newsroom sources also expect BBC management to rethink plans to reduce UK news amid fears that the merger could dilute domestic output and damage viewing figures. The BBC said the channel always planned to carry UK news for local viewers.
From next week, five journalists will take up Chief Presenter roles, including Matthew Amroliwala, Yalda Hakim, Christian Fraser, Lucy Hockings, and Maryam Moshiri.
A further 10 UK-based presenters were unsuccessful in applying for these roles, and Deadline hears that many have...
- 3/28/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC World News anchor Laura Trevelyan has announced that she is leaving the BBC after 30 years to play a role in uprooting the legacy of colonialism in the Caribbean.
Trevelyan’s decision comes just weeks after she apologized to the people of Grenada for her family’s links to slavery. “We apologize for the actions of our ancestors in holding your ancestors in slavery,” she said in a letter signed on February 27.
In a tweet today, the presenter of Emmy-winning show BBC World News America said she is leaving to join the “growing movement for reparatory justice for the Caribbean.”
A new chapter is starting for me. After thirty incredible years at the BBC, I’m leaving tomorrow – to join the growing movement for reparatory justice for the Caribbean. Thank you to my beloved colleagues and to our amazing audience. I couldn’t be more grateful to you all.
— Laura...
Trevelyan’s decision comes just weeks after she apologized to the people of Grenada for her family’s links to slavery. “We apologize for the actions of our ancestors in holding your ancestors in slavery,” she said in a letter signed on February 27.
In a tweet today, the presenter of Emmy-winning show BBC World News America said she is leaving to join the “growing movement for reparatory justice for the Caribbean.”
A new chapter is starting for me. After thirty incredible years at the BBC, I’m leaving tomorrow – to join the growing movement for reparatory justice for the Caribbean. Thank you to my beloved colleagues and to our amazing audience. I couldn’t be more grateful to you all.
— Laura...
- 3/14/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: BBC News presenters have been told that they can relax their formal dress code in the pursuit of more authentic reporting as the broadcaster seeks to reinvent its 24-hour news channel.
Naja Nielsen, BBC News’ Director of Digital, told staff last week that the more rugged “sweaty and dirty” look certain journalists adopt when away from the studio can be more trustworthy.
Nielsen was speaking as the BBC steps up plans to merge BBC World News with its domestic news channel in an effort to cut costs and make its rolling news output more appealing to online audiences. Managers argue it is a chance to create the best news channel in the world.
Nielsen told a wide group of journalists: “It’s a bit like, be as sweaty and dirty as when we’re in the field is actually more trustworthy than if we look like we’ve just...
Naja Nielsen, BBC News’ Director of Digital, told staff last week that the more rugged “sweaty and dirty” look certain journalists adopt when away from the studio can be more trustworthy.
Nielsen was speaking as the BBC steps up plans to merge BBC World News with its domestic news channel in an effort to cut costs and make its rolling news output more appealing to online audiences. Managers argue it is a chance to create the best news channel in the world.
Nielsen told a wide group of journalists: “It’s a bit like, be as sweaty and dirty as when we’re in the field is actually more trustworthy than if we look like we’ve just...
- 2/20/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The BBC has told 10 of its most seasoned news anchors that they have lost their prestige presenting roles on the broadcaster’s rolling news channel.
Deadline can reveal that journalists including Jane Hill, Martine Croxall, and Ben Brown were informed yesterday that they will not be among the chief presenters on a relaunched BBC News channel.
The BBC is combining its international and domestic news channels into a single offering as the corporation bids to cut costs and reinvent its output for a digital age.
The merger has been rumbling on for months, but in a single day 10 presenters were effectively told that their services are not required when the merged channel launches around April. Jess Brammar, editor of the news channels, phoned around presenters to deliver the news.
Annita McVeigh, Geeta Guru-Murthy, and Shaun Ley are also among the unlucky presenters. Along with Croxall and Brown, they spend...
Deadline can reveal that journalists including Jane Hill, Martine Croxall, and Ben Brown were informed yesterday that they will not be among the chief presenters on a relaunched BBC News channel.
The BBC is combining its international and domestic news channels into a single offering as the corporation bids to cut costs and reinvent its output for a digital age.
The merger has been rumbling on for months, but in a single day 10 presenters were effectively told that their services are not required when the merged channel launches around April. Jess Brammar, editor of the news channels, phoned around presenters to deliver the news.
Annita McVeigh, Geeta Guru-Murthy, and Shaun Ley are also among the unlucky presenters. Along with Croxall and Brown, they spend...
- 2/2/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The BBC is set to replace the robot cameras in its news channel studio after a string of viral tech fails over the past decade.
The British broadcaster has begun the process of acquiring new automated cameras as it looks to reboot its news channel next year.
The BBC is merging its domestic and international rolling news channels into a single station, resulting in 70 job cuts.
Sources at the BBC said existing robot cameras were showing their age in Studio E, situated in the corporation’s New Broadcasting House headquarters.
Clips of the cameras going rogue often generate interest on social media, as they cut to empty chairs, spin away from presenters, or zoom in and out of shot as the autocue is being read.
The robotic cameras were introduced in 2013 as a way of saving money. Shots can be pre-programmed, meaning camera operators are not required.
“They are driven by automation codes,...
The British broadcaster has begun the process of acquiring new automated cameras as it looks to reboot its news channel next year.
The BBC is merging its domestic and international rolling news channels into a single station, resulting in 70 job cuts.
Sources at the BBC said existing robot cameras were showing their age in Studio E, situated in the corporation’s New Broadcasting House headquarters.
Clips of the cameras going rogue often generate interest on social media, as they cut to empty chairs, spin away from presenters, or zoom in and out of shot as the autocue is being read.
The robotic cameras were introduced in 2013 as a way of saving money. Shots can be pre-programmed, meaning camera operators are not required.
“They are driven by automation codes,...
- 12/28/2022
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
An internal investigation launched by the BBC has found that news presenter Martine Croxall did breach the broadcaster’s strict code of impartiality during a 23 October broadcast.
Croxall was taken off air after her “gleeful” reaction to the news that Boris Johnson was pulling out of the Conservative leadership race.
Her “remarks and reactions... caused a significant risk the audience could believe opinions were being expressed on the Conservative leadership contest,” the broadcaster said, stipulating that Croxall would return to her post on BBC News on Friday (4 November).
During The Papers segment of the offending broadcast, when presenters analyse the UK national newspapers, Croxall said it was “all very exciting” and asked if she was allowed to “be this gleeful” as front pages were rapidly rewritten to reflect Johnson yielding to Rishi Sunak.
“This edition of The Papers did not meet our editorial standards, as it gave the audience the...
Croxall was taken off air after her “gleeful” reaction to the news that Boris Johnson was pulling out of the Conservative leadership race.
Her “remarks and reactions... caused a significant risk the audience could believe opinions were being expressed on the Conservative leadership contest,” the broadcaster said, stipulating that Croxall would return to her post on BBC News on Friday (4 November).
During The Papers segment of the offending broadcast, when presenters analyse the UK national newspapers, Croxall said it was “all very exciting” and asked if she was allowed to “be this gleeful” as front pages were rapidly rewritten to reflect Johnson yielding to Rishi Sunak.
“This edition of The Papers did not meet our editorial standards, as it gave the audience the...
- 11/4/2022
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
An internal investigation launched by the BBC has found that news presenter Martine Croxall did breach the broadcaster’s strict code of impartiality during a 23 October broadcast.
Croxall was taken off air after her “gleeful” reaction to the news that Boris Johnson was pulling out of the Conservative leadership race.
Her “remarks and reactions... caused a significant risk the audience could believe opinions were being expressed on the Conservative leadership contest,” the broadcaster said, stipulating that Croxall would return to her post on BBC News on Friday (4 November).
During The Papers segment of the offending broadcast, when presenters analyse the UK national newspapers, Croxall said it was “all very exciting” and asked if she was allowed to “be this gleeful” as front pages were rapidly rewritten to reflect Johnson yielding to Rishi Sunak.
“This edition of The Papers did not meet our editorial standards, as it gave the audience the...
Croxall was taken off air after her “gleeful” reaction to the news that Boris Johnson was pulling out of the Conservative leadership race.
Her “remarks and reactions... caused a significant risk the audience could believe opinions were being expressed on the Conservative leadership contest,” the broadcaster said, stipulating that Croxall would return to her post on BBC News on Friday (4 November).
During The Papers segment of the offending broadcast, when presenters analyse the UK national newspapers, Croxall said it was “all very exciting” and asked if she was allowed to “be this gleeful” as front pages were rapidly rewritten to reflect Johnson yielding to Rishi Sunak.
“This edition of The Papers did not meet our editorial standards, as it gave the audience the...
- 11/3/2022
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
Tributes have been paid to the late radio presenter Tim Gough, who died while on air yesterday (24 October).
The 55-year-old broadcaster died from a suspected heart attack at his home in Lackford, Suffolk, while presenting his regular breakfast show on GenX Radio.
News of Gough’s death was confirmed by a spokesperson at GenX, who tweeted: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to inform you, our dear friend and breakfast host Tim Gough passed away this morning whilst presenting his programme.
“Our love to his family, son, sister, brother and mum. Tim was doing what he loved. He was 55 years old. Rip buddy.”
GenX said it was “shocked and devastated beyond words” at Gough’s death.
James Hazell, managing director of GenX Radio, said : “To know Tim personally, as I did very closely for over 30 years, was to know a warm, caring, fun guy who...
The 55-year-old broadcaster died from a suspected heart attack at his home in Lackford, Suffolk, while presenting his regular breakfast show on GenX Radio.
News of Gough’s death was confirmed by a spokesperson at GenX, who tweeted: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to inform you, our dear friend and breakfast host Tim Gough passed away this morning whilst presenting his programme.
“Our love to his family, son, sister, brother and mum. Tim was doing what he loved. He was 55 years old. Rip buddy.”
GenX said it was “shocked and devastated beyond words” at Gough’s death.
James Hazell, managing director of GenX Radio, said : “To know Tim personally, as I did very closely for over 30 years, was to know a warm, caring, fun guy who...
- 10/25/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
You’re watching the BBC News at 10, and everything’s gone bloody bats*** mental,” newsreaders may have wanted to say, but have not. For months now – years, even – broadcasters have been heroically reporting on the unfolding chaos of our political world without giving any hint of their own thoughts or feelings. They must tell us the unprofessional things the government has been doing while always remaining consummately professional. But levels of dysfunction within the Tory party have recently reached a high watermark, and some of the on-screen poker faces have slipped. And, frankly, who could blame them?
How, for example, could BBC newsreader Martine Croxall not get the giggles, late on Sunday night, when telling us that Boris Johnson wouldn’t stand in the leadership contest? His David Brent-esque return from the Dominican Republic to try and reclaim his old job had flopped beautifully, and the human response was to find that deeply funny.
How, for example, could BBC newsreader Martine Croxall not get the giggles, late on Sunday night, when telling us that Boris Johnson wouldn’t stand in the leadership contest? His David Brent-esque return from the Dominican Republic to try and reclaim his old job had flopped beautifully, and the human response was to find that deeply funny.
- 10/25/2022
- by Jessie Thompson
- The Independent - TV
Johnny Depp will embark on a UK tour with his band the Hollywood Vampires next summer.
The rock supergroup – which consists of Alice Cooper, Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and Depp – were previously forced to cancel their 2020 tour due to the pandemic.
The band will visit venues across London, Swansea, Glasgow, and more, covering tracks from some of Britain’s best-loved rock musicians including David Bowie, The Who and Led Zeppelin.
Describing themselves as the “best bar band in the world”, the Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012. They’re named after The Hollywood Vampires club, which was a celebrity hot spot formed by Cooper in the 1970s.
Cooper explained how it had been difficult to get the tour scheduled due to members’ clashing schedules.
“I can’t wait to get back with the guys, I really love being in that band. My band is great and wonderful, but playing with the Vampires is an entirely different situation,...
The rock supergroup – which consists of Alice Cooper, Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and Depp – were previously forced to cancel their 2020 tour due to the pandemic.
The band will visit venues across London, Swansea, Glasgow, and more, covering tracks from some of Britain’s best-loved rock musicians including David Bowie, The Who and Led Zeppelin.
Describing themselves as the “best bar band in the world”, the Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012. They’re named after The Hollywood Vampires club, which was a celebrity hot spot formed by Cooper in the 1970s.
Cooper explained how it had been difficult to get the tour scheduled due to members’ clashing schedules.
“I can’t wait to get back with the guys, I really love being in that band. My band is great and wonderful, but playing with the Vampires is an entirely different situation,...
- 10/25/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
The BBC has been accused of “dishonesty” over a scene involving Jodie Whittaker and David Tennant in Doctor Who.
On Sunday (23 October), Whittaker’s final outing as the 13th incarnation of the Time Lord, in an episode titled “The Power of the Doctor”, was broadcast.
The episode ended with a regeneration scene that teed up three new Russell T Davies specials by reintroducing Tennant to the role.
However, the estate that owns Durdle Door, the Dorset landmark on which the final scene took place, has now claimed that the BBC did not explain what it was intending to use it for.
The landmark is part of the Weld Family-owned Lulworth Estate, whose representatives have said they would have refused the BBC’s request if they had known, as the cliff edge poses a threat to the general public. They believe the episode might encourage viewers to “put themselves in a dangerous position” while visiting.
On Sunday (23 October), Whittaker’s final outing as the 13th incarnation of the Time Lord, in an episode titled “The Power of the Doctor”, was broadcast.
The episode ended with a regeneration scene that teed up three new Russell T Davies specials by reintroducing Tennant to the role.
However, the estate that owns Durdle Door, the Dorset landmark on which the final scene took place, has now claimed that the BBC did not explain what it was intending to use it for.
The landmark is part of the Weld Family-owned Lulworth Estate, whose representatives have said they would have refused the BBC’s request if they had known, as the cliff edge poses a threat to the general public. They believe the episode might encourage viewers to “put themselves in a dangerous position” while visiting.
- 10/25/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Asim Chaudhry has spoken out against the Tories and Rishi Sunak in an exclusive interview with The Independent.
Reacting to the news of Sunak becoming the UK’s third prime minister in three months on Monday (24 October), the People Just Do Nothing star said that the former chancellor “won by default because no one else was competent”.
Sunak’s triumph was announced after Boris Johnson quit the Tory leadership race on Sunday night (23 October) and Penny Mordaunt dropped out minutes before the deadline to go on the ballot on Monday.
Speaking about why he doesn’t believe that the country’s first Asian prime minister represents him, Chaudhry said: “When Obama became president it was a historic moment because people around the world believed anything was possible. The difference here is that Obama was unashamedly himself and proud of his culture, championed it, represented his people.
“The establishment had to change for him,...
Reacting to the news of Sunak becoming the UK’s third prime minister in three months on Monday (24 October), the People Just Do Nothing star said that the former chancellor “won by default because no one else was competent”.
Sunak’s triumph was announced after Boris Johnson quit the Tory leadership race on Sunday night (23 October) and Penny Mordaunt dropped out minutes before the deadline to go on the ballot on Monday.
Speaking about why he doesn’t believe that the country’s first Asian prime minister represents him, Chaudhry said: “When Obama became president it was a historic moment because people around the world believed anything was possible. The difference here is that Obama was unashamedly himself and proud of his culture, championed it, represented his people.
“The establishment had to change for him,...
- 10/25/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Asim Chaudhry has backed The Independent’s campaign for a general election.
The People Just Do Nothing actor, who has been a vocal critic of the Tories in recent months, told The Independent: “General election now! Yes!”
Reacting to news of Rishi Sunak becoming the UK’s third prime minister in three months, he said: “I don’t think Rishi would do well in a general election.
“I wasn’t shocked when I heard that Lbc interview where a racist man was claiming that ‘Rishi isn’t even British!’
“In some ways I pity Rishi, he will never be Asian enough for the average Asian person and he’ll never be ‘British’ enough for the right-wing bigots.”
Almost 400,000 people have signed The Independent’s campaign petition for a general election.
Chaudhry also talked about how he doesn’t feel that Sunak represents him, calling his wealth “obscene” and saying: “This isn’t representation,...
The People Just Do Nothing actor, who has been a vocal critic of the Tories in recent months, told The Independent: “General election now! Yes!”
Reacting to news of Rishi Sunak becoming the UK’s third prime minister in three months, he said: “I don’t think Rishi would do well in a general election.
“I wasn’t shocked when I heard that Lbc interview where a racist man was claiming that ‘Rishi isn’t even British!’
“In some ways I pity Rishi, he will never be Asian enough for the average Asian person and he’ll never be ‘British’ enough for the right-wing bigots.”
Almost 400,000 people have signed The Independent’s campaign petition for a general election.
Chaudhry also talked about how he doesn’t feel that Sunak represents him, calling his wealth “obscene” and saying: “This isn’t representation,...
- 10/25/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Asim Chaudhry has spoken out against the Tories and Rishi Sunak in an exclusive interview with The Independent.
Reacting to the news of Sunak becoming the UK’s third prime minister in three months on Monday (24 October), the People Just Do Nothing star said that the former chancellor “won by default because no one else was competent”.
Sunak’s triumph was announced after Boris Johnson quit the Tory leadership race on Sunday night (23 October) and Penny Mordaunt dropped out minutes before the deadline to go on the ballot on Monday.
Speaking about why he doesn’t believe that the country’s first Asian prime minister represents him, Chaudhry said: “When Obama became president it was a historic moment because people around the world believed anything was possible. The difference here is that Obama was unashamedly himself and proud of his culture, championed it, represented his people.
“The establishment had to change for him,...
Reacting to the news of Sunak becoming the UK’s third prime minister in three months on Monday (24 October), the People Just Do Nothing star said that the former chancellor “won by default because no one else was competent”.
Sunak’s triumph was announced after Boris Johnson quit the Tory leadership race on Sunday night (23 October) and Penny Mordaunt dropped out minutes before the deadline to go on the ballot on Monday.
Speaking about why he doesn’t believe that the country’s first Asian prime minister represents him, Chaudhry said: “When Obama became president it was a historic moment because people around the world believed anything was possible. The difference here is that Obama was unashamedly himself and proud of his culture, championed it, represented his people.
“The establishment had to change for him,...
- 10/24/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Suffolk radio presenter Tim Gough has died on air aged 55.
The broadcaster died from a suspected heart attack on Monday 24 October at his home in Lackford, Suffolk, while presenting GenX Radio’s breakfast show.
A spokesperson at GenX tweeted: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to inform you, our dear friend and breakfast host Tim Gough passed away this morning whilst presenting his programme.
“Our love to his family, son, sister, brother and mum. Tim was doing what he loved. He was 55 years old. Rip buddy.”
Others to pay tribute included James Hazell, managing director of GenX Radio, who said: “To know Tim personally, as I did very closely for over 30 years, was to know a warm, caring, fun guy who myself and my family loved dearly. We are heartbroken by the news.
“I know his family are enormously comforted by the hundreds of loving messages...
The broadcaster died from a suspected heart attack on Monday 24 October at his home in Lackford, Suffolk, while presenting GenX Radio’s breakfast show.
A spokesperson at GenX tweeted: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to inform you, our dear friend and breakfast host Tim Gough passed away this morning whilst presenting his programme.
“Our love to his family, son, sister, brother and mum. Tim was doing what he loved. He was 55 years old. Rip buddy.”
Others to pay tribute included James Hazell, managing director of GenX Radio, who said: “To know Tim personally, as I did very closely for over 30 years, was to know a warm, caring, fun guy who myself and my family loved dearly. We are heartbroken by the news.
“I know his family are enormously comforted by the hundreds of loving messages...
- 10/24/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
The BBC has reportedly suspended one of its news anchors after she was accused of breaching the broadcaster’s strict impartiality rules over comments about Boris Johnson.
Martine Croxall was hosting the Sunday edition of BBC evening show “The Papers,” which reviews the following day’s top print headlines, when she made the remarks.
“Well this is all very exciting isn’t it,” were Croxall’s first words as she opened the program. “Hello and welcome to our look ahead to what the papers will be bringing us tomorrow. Am I allowed to be this gleeful? Well I am.”
“Can we even show you the front pages just yet, have they arrived? No, they haven’t arrived,” she continued after introducing her two guests, both newspaper journalists. “It’s all a little bit, you know, lastminute.com isn’t it? Because all the front pages were probably out of date...
Martine Croxall was hosting the Sunday edition of BBC evening show “The Papers,” which reviews the following day’s top print headlines, when she made the remarks.
“Well this is all very exciting isn’t it,” were Croxall’s first words as she opened the program. “Hello and welcome to our look ahead to what the papers will be bringing us tomorrow. Am I allowed to be this gleeful? Well I am.”
“Can we even show you the front pages just yet, have they arrived? No, they haven’t arrived,” she continued after introducing her two guests, both newspaper journalists. “It’s all a little bit, you know, lastminute.com isn’t it? Because all the front pages were probably out of date...
- 10/24/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Stephen Fry has said Wikipedia editors “must be exhausted” after the recent weeks of chaos in British politics.
The latest development in the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it news cycle came on Monday (24 October), as it was announced that Rishi Sunak will be the UK’s third prime minister in three months.
The former chancellor emerged victorious before the Tory leadership race had a chance to go to a vote, after rival Penny Mourdant dropped out minutes before the deadline to meet the threshold of 100 supporters needed to make it onto the ballot.
The leadership race was triggered by Liz Truss’s resignation last week, after she was prime minister for just a month and a half, following Boris Johnson, who stood down after, among other issues, Partygate and the Chris Pincher affair.
Posting on Twitter before Sunak’s triumph was announced on Monday, actor, comedian and writer Fry shared a screenshot of...
The latest development in the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it news cycle came on Monday (24 October), as it was announced that Rishi Sunak will be the UK’s third prime minister in three months.
The former chancellor emerged victorious before the Tory leadership race had a chance to go to a vote, after rival Penny Mourdant dropped out minutes before the deadline to meet the threshold of 100 supporters needed to make it onto the ballot.
The leadership race was triggered by Liz Truss’s resignation last week, after she was prime minister for just a month and a half, following Boris Johnson, who stood down after, among other issues, Partygate and the Chris Pincher affair.
Posting on Twitter before Sunak’s triumph was announced on Monday, actor, comedian and writer Fry shared a screenshot of...
- 10/24/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
A BBC News presenter has been taken off air for a potential impartiality breach after asking “Am I allowed to be this gleeful?” on a political program following Boris Johnson’s decision to pull out of the race to be Prime Minister.
Martine Croxall was presenting Sunday night’s BBC News edition of The Papers, in which journalists review the day’s newspapers, when she made the comments at the start of the program, around 90 minutes after Johnson had gone public with his decision.
“Well this is all very exciting, isn’t it?,” said Croxall. “Am I allowed to be this gleeful?”
She later remarked: “I’m probably breaking some terrible impartiality rule by giggling.”
The BBC said it is “urgently reviewing for a potential breach of its impartiality” and Deadline understands Croxall has been taken off air by BBC News while the matter is investigated. The BBC has strict...
Martine Croxall was presenting Sunday night’s BBC News edition of The Papers, in which journalists review the day’s newspapers, when she made the comments at the start of the program, around 90 minutes after Johnson had gone public with his decision.
“Well this is all very exciting, isn’t it?,” said Croxall. “Am I allowed to be this gleeful?”
She later remarked: “I’m probably breaking some terrible impartiality rule by giggling.”
The BBC said it is “urgently reviewing for a potential breach of its impartiality” and Deadline understands Croxall has been taken off air by BBC News while the matter is investigated. The BBC has strict...
- 10/24/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC presenter Martine Croxall has been taken off air by the BBC after her “gleeful” reaction to the news that Boris Johnson was pulling out of the Conservative leadership race, according to reports.
The broadcaster was leading the BBC News channel’s review of the newspapers, The Papers, a few minutes after Johnson quit the race on Sunday (23 October), and she introduced viewers to the show with the words: “Am I allowed to be this gleeful? Well, I am!”
According to a report in The Telegraph, BBC bosses have now taken Croxall off air for an undefined amount of time.
A spokesman told the publication: “BBC News is urgently reviewing last night’s edition of The Papers on the News channel for a potential breach of impartiality.
“It is imperative that we maintain the highest editorial standards.”
The statement added: “We have processes in place to uphold our standards, and these processes have been activated.
The broadcaster was leading the BBC News channel’s review of the newspapers, The Papers, a few minutes after Johnson quit the race on Sunday (23 October), and she introduced viewers to the show with the words: “Am I allowed to be this gleeful? Well, I am!”
According to a report in The Telegraph, BBC bosses have now taken Croxall off air for an undefined amount of time.
A spokesman told the publication: “BBC News is urgently reviewing last night’s edition of The Papers on the News channel for a potential breach of impartiality.
“It is imperative that we maintain the highest editorial standards.”
The statement added: “We have processes in place to uphold our standards, and these processes have been activated.
- 10/24/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
The death of a senior member of the royal family is always a huge event in British life, whatever your view on the monarchy. And nowhere is the significance of these moments perhaps better captured than on the BBC.
The public broadcaster has well-rehearsed procedures for reporting on royal deaths, and these protocols swung into action with the passing of Prince Philip. Just after midday on Friday, the BBC interrupted its usual output across TV and radio to bring audiences Buckingham Palace’s statement.
On BBC One, the UK’s most-watched television channel, an episode of daytime show Paramedics on Scene went dark. A black and white title card appeared on screen, with the words “News report.”
Presenter Martine Croxall then said: “We are interrupting our normal programs to bring you an important announcement. You’re watching BBC News from London. A short while ago, Buckingham Palace announced the death of His Royal Highness,...
The public broadcaster has well-rehearsed procedures for reporting on royal deaths, and these protocols swung into action with the passing of Prince Philip. Just after midday on Friday, the BBC interrupted its usual output across TV and radio to bring audiences Buckingham Palace’s statement.
On BBC One, the UK’s most-watched television channel, an episode of daytime show Paramedics on Scene went dark. A black and white title card appeared on screen, with the words “News report.”
Presenter Martine Croxall then said: “We are interrupting our normal programs to bring you an important announcement. You’re watching BBC News from London. A short while ago, Buckingham Palace announced the death of His Royal Highness,...
- 4/9/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
One BBC newsreader was caught a little off-guard this morning when a camera cut to her brushing her hair - live on air.
Carole Walker was sitting at her desk styling her hair when it quickly became obvious she was unaware she was broadcasting to the nation. Until she heard the familiar bulletin noise, that is...
Ever the professional, Walker hid her hairbrush under the desk and seamlessly launched into the headlines. The only evidence of anything going wrong being her handbag sat beside her.
BBC presenter Chris Mitchell was recently caught tapping an invisible iPad after a live piece to camera, while Simon McCoy famously held onto a pack of A4 printer paper he had mistaken for the Apple product.
In November last year, Martine Croxall had to calmly walk into shot when it became apparent that she was standing in front of the wrong camera.
"I'm just going...
Carole Walker was sitting at her desk styling her hair when it quickly became obvious she was unaware she was broadcasting to the nation. Until she heard the familiar bulletin noise, that is...
Ever the professional, Walker hid her hairbrush under the desk and seamlessly launched into the headlines. The only evidence of anything going wrong being her handbag sat beside her.
BBC presenter Chris Mitchell was recently caught tapping an invisible iPad after a live piece to camera, while Simon McCoy famously held onto a pack of A4 printer paper he had mistaken for the Apple product.
In November last year, Martine Croxall had to calmly walk into shot when it became apparent that she was standing in front of the wrong camera.
"I'm just going...
- 8/4/2015
- Digital Spy
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