BBC embroiled in fresh ‘ageism’ row as former star, 43, told they were ‘too old’ to front flagship show
The BBC has found itself at the centre of a fresh ‘ageism’ claim as former presenter Sally Magnusson revealed she was told she was “too old” at just 43.
Broadcaster Magnusson, now 69, was working for the broadcaster in 1999 when it faced the tragic loss of Crimewatch presenter Jill Dando.
The newsreader, 37, was shot and killed on her doorstep in what remains an unsolved murder.
The broadcaster searched for Dando’s Crimewatch replacement following the tragedy, and experienced journalist Magnusson put herself forward for the role, but was turned down due to her age.
Recalling the incident, she explained: “I got an embarrassed call from an executive saying they wanted somebody younger.”
Speaking to Radio Times, Magnusson added: “It was a bit of a blow as it had never been stated to me so explicitly before.”
The presenter announced at the start of this year she’d be quitting her role in Reporting Scotland after 27 years.
She recently said in a statement: “Leaving Reporting Scotland will be a real wrench after 27 years.
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“I’ll miss the buzz and challenges of live news presentation, which I’ve always adored.
“But although my focus now turns to a growing writing career, an expanding family, and my work around dementia, I’m also looking forward to maintaining links with the BBC as a freelance broadcaster.”
GB News has reached out to the BBC over the reports.
It’s not the first time the broadcaster has been embroiled in ageism accusations.
Earlier this month, four female news presenters agreed a settlement in a dispute with the BBC over claims including sex and age discrimination.
Martine Croxall, Annita McVeigh, Karin Giannone and Kasia Madera all claimed they lost their roles on the BBC News Channel over a “rigged” recruitment process.
The broadcaster insisted the recruitment exercise was “rigorous and fair.”
BBC News reported a settlement had been reached with no admission of liability.
In a joint statement, the former BBC employees said: “We can confirm that we have reached a resolution with BBC management that avoids the need for a tribunal hearing in respect of our employment-related claims.
“A protracted process lasting almost three years is now over. We’ve been deeply moved by the support we’ve received.
“We look forward to contributing further to the success of BBC News, especially to live programming and the growing streaming services that are so important to our audiences.”
Last year, former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has admitted the BBC is still “not forgiven” after she was axed from the show in an ageism row.
The 81-year-old starred in the show as a judge alongside Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli from its debut in 2004 until she was unceremoniously replaced after the 2008 series.
Alesha Dixon, then 30, took over from her after winning the show the previous year.
