BBC under fire for 'appalling' treatment of five female news presenters left in limbo for months after being benched
EXCLUSIVE: BBC faces increasing pressure to find solution for five veteran presenters, many have been unable to work for months as part of a merger of the company's UK and international news channels.
Women haven't appeared on the BBC News channel since March and some have stayed home against their will as the broadcaster establishes the structure of its lean streaming news operation.
The five anchors involved are Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera and Annita Mc Veigh. Together they have over 100 years of BBC experience.
Deadline understands that there is currently no clear solution to Deadline, but its colleagues are increasingly angry at the BBC's treatment of women.
The BBC is also facing questions about how much money it is wasting while main presenters sit on the bench, with some reckoning the costs could have soared to six figures or more.
The broadcaster must hire freelancers to fill the pitch holes, while the employees get a "salary for anchor changes. Affected women continue to receive their full pay while some do not work.
A BBC journalist, who does not work for the news channel, said that it was an "appalling" situation. Another newsroom source added: “I think there's a huge amount of sympathy [for the presenters]. I don't think it's rocket science to say they were mistreated."
BBC insiders are alarmed that presenters in Limbo are all women, some of whom have campaigned for equal pay or served as shop stewards. It was also noted that women are over 45.
The BBC has been sued over equal pay and job disputes ageism in the past. A former BBC presenter says the plight of news presenters suggests society has "learned no lessons".
The BBC said: "We appreciate all of our staff, but we do not comment on individual HR issues." As part of the BBC's consultation process, the broadcaster is seeking alternative work for people at risk of losing their jobs. Redundancies only take place once these efforts have been exhausted.
Women failed to land one of the five roles of chief presenter based in UK on the new fusion channel. They were offered the opportunity to apply for eight correspondent/presenter positions, although this may have been seen as a setback by some.
Recruitment for positions is ongoing. Nancy Kacungira, who has been with the BBC for seven years, has been hired for one of the correspondent/presenter positions, meaning there are seven vacancies.
Tim Davie, the director general of the BBC, was asked about the situation last week by the Culture, UK Parliament Media and Sports Committee. John Nicolson, a Scottish National Party lawmaker, said it was "absurd" and it looked like the BBC was punishing presenters.
Davie declined to comment on specific individuals, but said there were "no doubt anyone would ever be punished.” He added, "We need a good and fair conversation with these people to make sure they get settled."
EXCLUSIVE: BBC faces increasing pressure to find solution for five veteran presenters, many have been unable to work for months as part of a merger of the company's UK and international news channels.
Women haven't appeared on the BBC News channel since March and some have stayed home against their will as the broadcaster establishes the structure of its lean streaming news operation.
The five anchors involved are Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera and Annita Mc Veigh. Together they have over 100 years of BBC experience.
Deadline understands that there is currently no clear solution to Deadline, but its colleagues are increasingly angry at the BBC's treatment of women.
The BBC is also facing questions about how much money it is wasting while main presenters sit on the bench, with some reckoning the costs could have soared to six figures or more.
The broadcaster must hire freelancers to fill the pitch holes, while the employees get a "salary for anchor changes. Affected women continue to receive their full pay while some do not work.
A BBC journalist, who does not work for the news channel, said that it was an "appalling" situation. Another newsroom source added: “I think there's a huge amount of sympathy [for the presenters]. I don't think it's rocket science to say they were mistreated."
BBC insiders are alarmed that presenters in Limbo are all women, some of whom have campaigned for equal pay or served as shop stewards. It was also noted that women are over 45.
The BBC has been sued over equal pay and job disputes ageism in the past. A former BBC presenter says the plight of news presenters suggests society has "learned no lessons".
The BBC said: "We appreciate all of our staff, but we do not comment on individual HR issues." As part of the BBC's consultation process, the broadcaster is seeking alternative work for people at risk of losing their jobs. Redundancies only take place once these efforts have been exhausted.
Women failed to land one of the five roles of chief presenter based in UK on the new fusion channel. They were offered the opportunity to apply for eight correspondent/presenter positions, although this may have been seen as a setback by some.
Recruitment for positions is ongoing. Nancy Kacungira, who has been with the BBC for seven years, has been hired for one of the correspondent/presenter positions, meaning there are seven vacancies.
Tim Davie, the director general of the BBC, was asked about the situation last week by the Culture, UK Parliament Media and Sports Committee. John Nicolson, a Scottish National Party lawmaker, said it was "absurd" and it looked like the BBC was punishing presenters.
Davie declined to comment on specific individuals, but said there were "no doubt anyone would ever be punished.” He added, "We need a good and fair conversation with these people to make sure they get settled."
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