Campaigners accuse 'ageist' BBC station

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.”