Media
Campaigners have accused a BBC radio station of ageism after an editor warned against putting "really elderly voices" on air.
Advising producers to use more middle-aged callers, an email to employees from BBC Radio Solent managing editor Mia Costello said: “I don’t want to hear really elderly voices.”
The leaked memo said staff should be looking for “Dave and Sue — people in their 50s” and added: “Only put on callers sounding in the 45 to 64 range.”
The station has recently axed some of its older hosts from schedules, including 59-year-old Peter White. The presenter, who left after 35 years' service, said the comment was “insulting and degrading”.
Chris Perry, director of Age Concern Hampshire, added: “The phrase ‘really elderly voices’ is clearly ageist and an assumption that voices go with age. But Julio Inglesias doesn’t sound in his 70s and neither does Bruce Forsyth.”
A BBC spokesman defended the comments. “We do value older listeners," he said. "Our up-and-coming audience is 45 and up and research shows we mustn’t be staid. Out of context these notes sound harsh and we apologise if they offend anyone.”
Advising producers to use more middle-aged callers, an email to employees from BBC Radio Solent managing editor Mia Costello said: “I don’t want to hear really elderly voices.”
The leaked memo said staff should be looking for “Dave and Sue — people in their 50s” and added: “Only put on callers sounding in the 45 to 64 range.”
The station has recently axed some of its older hosts from schedules, including 59-year-old Peter White. The presenter, who left after 35 years' service, said the comment was “insulting and degrading”.
Chris Perry, director of Age Concern Hampshire, added: “The phrase ‘really elderly voices’ is clearly ageist and an assumption that voices go with age. But Julio Inglesias doesn’t sound in his 70s and neither does Bruce Forsyth.”
A BBC spokesman defended the comments. “We do value older listeners," he said. "Our up-and-coming audience is 45 and up and research shows we mustn’t be staid. Out of context these notes sound harsh and we apologise if they offend anyone.”
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