MPs brand BBC ‘mad’ for axing newsreader Moira Stuart

Michael Settle

BBC chiefs were branded "mad" by MPs yesterday over the axing of popular newsreader Moira Stuart from her regular Sunday morning slot.

Members of the House of Commons Media Committee also raised the allegation that the corporation had been ageist, racist and sexist in its controversial decision.

Such a claim, however, was vehemently denied by Mark Thompson, the BBC's director-general, when he appeared before MPs.
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He explained that Ms Stuart, 55, had been removed from her regular appearance on Andrew Marr's Sunday AM programme, leaving her with no regular slot, because the role of the traditional newsreader had "virtually died out".

Conservative MP Nigel Evans asked whether the BBC Trust had anything to say about the "appalling decision to sack Moira Stuart". He asked: "Has anyone telephoned you to say: Are you mad? Moira Stuart is one of the most popular newsreaders in the BBC.' We're reading comments that the BBC is ageist."

Mr Thompson praised Ms Stuart, saying she was much loved "by her colleagues as well as the public". He explained: "The question of what happens to Moira in the future is something we're discussing with Moira."

The BBC chief said he wanted to refute the suggestion that either ageism, sexism or racism lay at the root of the decision to drop Ms Stuart. "BBC News, News 24, the radio networks have changed over the years and the traditional role of the newsreader, as opposed to a correspondent or presenter, has virtually died out over the services," said Mr Thompson.

Citing the example of the 10 O'Clock News and BBC Breakfast News, he said: "We tend to use journalists across BBC news programmes to read the news headlines."

The director-general insisted Ms Stuart was "very valued and much-loved". He added: "When she does programmes beyond the news - she did that quite brilliant programme on William Wilberforce - she shows her range of talents."

However, Mr Evans, the MP for Ribble Valley in Lancashire, replied: "If this is how you treat someone that's much-loved, I'd hate to see how you treat someone you don't like."

Since news of her removal emerged last month, demands have been growing for the reinstatement of Britain's first black woman newsreader.

Although she has not said anything publicly, the veteran broadcaster was said to be "very disappointed" to lose her role in what she considered to be her main job. Many popular broadcasters have called for her to be reinstated, including John Humphrys, who presents Radio 4's Today programme.

He noted: "It may be pure coincidence but there do seem to be remarkably few women with a few lines on their faces presenting TV news or current affairs compared with the wrinkled men."