View Full Version : BBC sacked me for being a white man... even though I work in radio
arista
02-10-2016, 07:59 AM
[This week, I took a phone call.
'Jon,' said the BBC's Head
of Awkward Conversations,
'That show you do on Radio 4?
The Now Show?'
'Yes,' I said, tentatively,
because phone calls like
this never end well.
'It's back on air in November.'
I already knew this, because
I had been asked to block
it out in my diary at the
end of the last series.
But now I was Having.
An. Awkward. Conversation.
'I'll get straight to the point,
' she continued. 'I'm afraid for the
next series, we're not inviting you back.
We're recasting it with more
women and diversity.'
And just like that, after 18 years
on the long-running show, I was out.
And that's fair enough. I'm not
here to complain about it.
Eighteen years is a pretty good innings.]
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3817609/BBC-sacked-white-man-Radio-4-comic-told-need-women-minorities.html#ixzz4Lucr5m1t
This stinks
he (Jon Holmes) is one
of the writers
of the that show , as well.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/10/01/21/3900CB7900000578-3817609-image-m-78_1475353714723.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/10/01/21/38FFEA5000000578-0-Holmes_revealed_his_sacking_in_a_tweet_in_which_he _joked_And_I_d-m-45_1475352250281.jpg
....hmmm I have to say that I'm extremely sceptical about this story...'we want to recast you with more women and diversity', 'positive discrimination' 'we can't have you because you're too white and too middle class'...your perfect for the job but you're not Asian...you would have to be the dumbest of the most dumb of employers to say things in that vein to an employee and this is the BBC../really..?...an employer would never leave themselves so wide open to being sued/for legal action against them for discrimination and I just can't imagine representatives of the BBC saying anything like...
...you don't even question this... the logic of it, Arista..you're just accepting it as truth..?..
Crimson Dynamo
02-10-2016, 08:12 AM
WLM
Cherie
02-10-2016, 08:28 AM
Interesting as the wonderful Peter Allen has been replaced (he moves to a weekend show with Jane Garvey) by a woman on 5 live daily whose name I can't remember, and the afternoon edition is now co hosted by Nihal Arthanayake and Sarah Brett so there may be some truth to it as these are recent changes
arista
02-10-2016, 08:49 AM
...you don't even question this... the logic of it, Arista..you're just accepting it as truth..?..
Yes as he is not old.
And of course the Female Producer
would never outright say its because
he is a Male and White.
arista
02-10-2016, 08:51 AM
Interesting as the wonderful Peter Allen has been replaced (he moves to a weekend show with Jane Garvey) by a woman on 5 live daily whose name I can't remember, and the afternoon edition is now co hosted by Nihal Arthanayake and Sarah Brett so there may be some truth to it as these are recent changes
Yes the BBC
is fecking it all up.
Yes as he is not old.
And of course the Female Producer
would never outright say its because
he is a Male and White.
...he may not be old but he may be 'stale' in his job and just not appeal to the present audience as he did in his early days...
Cherie
02-10-2016, 09:05 AM
Yes the BBC
is fecking it all up.
I quite like him and they work well together that said they need to give the work to the best person for the job not dole it out on a diversity basis.
kirklancaster
02-10-2016, 09:23 AM
I do not know the truth behind this 'sacking' - who does but the principals? - but just like there are some cases where black people definitely raise the 'racism' flag aloft as an excuse for them being sacked for some breach which they ARE guilty of committing, or turned down for jobs when they were simply NOT the most suitable or best qualified applicant, or when they have been arrested for a crime which they DID commit, then there are also some WHITE people who will hold that same flag aloft in similar circumstances.
But then again, there ARE actual cases when someone HAS suffered purely because of their COLOUR or RACE but other excuses are made by those imposing the suffering simply to try to justify their actions and disguise the UNACCEPTABLE real reasons.
So - who knows? :shrug:
Tom4784
02-10-2016, 09:50 AM
I don't buy it at all, it sounds like sour grapes from him and Daily Mail have run with it because it's guaranteed to piss off their readers who are scared of anyone who isn't white and thinks that the word 'Diversity' is the devil.
BBC would risk a damaging lawsuit that could cost them millions if they sacked anyone because of their race or gender, it's not the reason why he was sacked and it's naive to believe it is.
Let's hear from the man himself, shall we?
782333141671444480
Well, that clears that one up. Let's move on :)
I don't buy it at all, it sounds like sour grapes from him and Daily Mail have run with it because it's guaranteed to piss off their readers who are scared of anyone who isn't white and thinks that the word 'Diversity' is the devil.
BBC would risk a damaging lawsuit that could cost them millions if they sacked anyone because of their race or gender, it's not the reason why he was sacked and it's naive to believe it is.
..yeah these are my thoughts as well, it just seems such a dumb thing to leave themselves open the way that it's suggesting and not something that a company like the BBC would do...maybe just an 'assumption' that those who have lost their jobs are making because the BBC are trying to show diversity as well but the two things not being connected...it's just 'hearsay' atm really with those who do possibly have a grievance.../sad at the job losses though...
Northern Monkey
02-10-2016, 10:08 AM
Let's hear from the man himself, shall we?
782333141671444480
Well, that clears that one up. Let's move on :)
No the newspaper headline is obvs not a quote but he tweeted himself what they actually said to him 'we want to recast with more women and diversity' which is disgraceful tbh.Sacking because they don't want somebody who is white and male.
arista
02-10-2016, 10:49 AM
...he may not be old but he may be 'stale' in his job and just not appeal to the present audience as he did in his early days...
no I think he is very funny.
arista
02-10-2016, 01:15 PM
Being debated now on LBC now
By a Asian presenter
he says its Wrong
arista
02-10-2016, 01:20 PM
Of Course Jon Holmes
did not make the DM heading
But its the Truth.
Yes Dezzy the DM has their own
fights with the BBC.
But Jon was sacked because of
this is new BBC policy
that is Fecking it all UP
arista
02-10-2016, 01:27 PM
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/10/01/21/3900C83000000578-3817609-The_comedian_writer_and_broadcaster_Jon_Holmes_wit h_his_wife_Nic-m-80_1475353825172.jpg
Jon Holmes with his wife Nicki
Tom4784
02-10-2016, 01:28 PM
Unless his claims can be proved then it's silly to take them as fact. You cannot sack someone based on race or gender and no real company would be dumb enough to do so because of the inevitable ****storm that would come from it.
This is basically a case of people DESPERATELY wanting this to be true because they consider Diversity to be a dirty word. Look at it from a non-biased perspective and common sense wins out.
the truth
02-10-2016, 01:43 PM
...he may not be old but he may be 'stale' in his job and just not appeal to the present audience as he did in his early days...
his listening figures havent dropped........people on the bbc use the expression to many middle aged white men all the time and its allowed to pass, so too do politicians so clearly this anti white man racism is now rife and allowed to pass....absolutely disgusting racism. he should take legal action, to hell with taking this racism on the chin
arista
02-10-2016, 02:18 PM
"inevitable ****storm that would come from it."
yes on LBC radio it has started
today Dezzy.
Cherie
02-10-2016, 02:22 PM
Unless his claims can be proved then it's silly to take them as fact. You cannot sack someone based on race or gender and no real company would be dumb enough to do so because of the inevitable ****storm that would come from it.
This is basically a case of people DESPERATELY wanting this to be true because they consider Diversity to be a dirty word. Look at it from a non-biased perspective and common sense wins out.
Common sense is putting the right people in the right jobs, desperation is diversity just as a box ticking exercise
‘We’d like to thank both Jon Holmes and Mitch Benn for their contributions, but – as we explained almost a week ago when the story first appeared in newspapers – our comedy shows are constantly evolving and it was simply time to create opportunities for new regulars when The Now Show returns this autumn.
‘We will be hiring the new cast for the Now Show based on merit. Jon’s contract was lapsed and wasn’t renewed and this was a creative not a diversity decision, as we have clearly said.’
...I think it's always sad with things like this, when someone loses an income from something they've been doing for many years and something that is faced by many people when contracts are reviewed at periods as in this case/no guarantees as such...but it looks as though his show with him presenting just didn't offer what the BBC were looking for in the direction they plan to go and inevitably it was the right person for the right job...
Northern Monkey
02-10-2016, 02:48 PM
‘We’d like to thank both Jon Holmes and Mitch Benn for their contributions, but – as we explained almost a week ago when the story first appeared in newspapers – our comedy shows are constantly evolving and it was simply time to create opportunities for new regulars when The Now Show returns this autumn.
‘We will be hiring the new cast for the Now Show based on merit. Jon’s contract was lapsed and wasn’t renewed and this was a creative not a diversity decision, as we have clearly said.’
...I think it's always sad with things like this, when someone loses an income from something they've been doing for many years and something that is faced by many people when contracts are reviewed at periods as in this case/no guarantees as such...but it looks as though his show with him presenting just didn't offer what the BBC were looking for in the direction they plan to go and inevitably it was the right person for the right job...So they told him what they were planning and then backtracked when they got caught out.Be interesting to see what race his replacement is and if it's a woman...
arista
02-10-2016, 02:51 PM
So they told him what they were planning and then backtracked when they got caught out.Be interesting to see what race his replacement is and if it's a woman...
Yes BBC Pathetic
the truth
02-10-2016, 03:02 PM
‘We’d like to thank both Jon Holmes and Mitch Benn for their contributions, but – as we explained almost a week ago when the story first appeared in newspapers – our comedy shows are constantly evolving and it was simply time to create opportunities for new regulars when The Now Show returns this autumn.
‘We will be hiring the new cast for the Now Show based on merit. Jon’s contract was lapsed and wasn’t renewed and this was a creative not a diversity decision, as we have clearly said.’
...I think it's always sad with things like this, when someone loses an income from something they've been doing for many years and something that is faced by many people when contracts are reviewed at periods as in this case/no guarantees as such...but it looks as though his show with him presenting just didn't offer what the BBC were looking for in the direction they plan to go and inevitably it was the right person for the right job...
Its racist and its sexist, period. To justify it is to condone sexist and racism.
Instead of us simply moaning, this middle aged white man should get himself to the law courts asap and sue the hell out of that bloated corrupt sexist misandrist waste of space tv corporation
..their decision to renew his contract seem to be reasonable and based on 'merit' for the direction they're looking at for the programme slot ..(sad for him and I do have sympathy..)...and yep, he can always take legal action if he feels that's the right course for him...
Northern Monkey
02-10-2016, 03:17 PM
..their decision to renew his contract seem to be reasonable and based on 'merit' for the direction they're looking at for the programme slot ..(sad for him and I do have sympathy..)...and yep, he can always take legal action if he feels that's the right course for him...
That's a nice clever way of excusing racism(them not you btw:laugh:)
the truth
02-10-2016, 03:18 PM
..their decision to renew his contract seem to be reasonable and based on 'merit' for the direction they're looking at for the programme slot ..(sad for him and I do have sympathy..)...and yep, he can always take legal action if he feels that's the right course for him...
Its racism and sexism all rolled into one
Not sure he could take legal action seeing as he wasn't sacked - his contract just lapsed so they're under no obligation to give him a new one and they have the right to instil a more 'diverse' cast if they wish. All sounds quite feasible to me and it wouldn't be the first time it has happened. Lots of cases of presenters having to make way because they're too old or because they have other ideas about the type of face they want fronting their shows.
Tom4784
02-10-2016, 07:07 PM
Common sense is putting the right people in the right jobs, desperation is diversity just as a box ticking exercise
Where's the proof that this was done for the sake of diversity? People are just gagging for it to be the case so they think they are justified in complaining.
The man just sounds bitter about his contract not being renewed more than anything else.
Vicky.
02-10-2016, 07:09 PM
we're not inviting you back.
We're recasting it with more
women and diversity.
IF this is true then that is appalling. I am not one for 'X only shortlists' or anything, I firmly believe the best person for the job should always get the job, regardless of sex, colour, religion, whatever
Johnnyuk123
02-10-2016, 07:15 PM
If this was reversed and the one losing their job was in a minority this would have kicked right off. Poor guy.
Withano
02-10-2016, 07:46 PM
Smells like bull**** in here
Not sure he could take legal action seeing as he wasn't sacked - his contract just lapsed so they're under no obligation to give him a new one and they have the right to instil a more 'diverse' cast if they wish. All sounds quite feasible to me and it wouldn't be the first time it has happened. Lots of cases of presenters having to make way because they're too old or because they have other ideas about the type of face they want fronting their shows.
Bargain Hunt and Tim Wonnacott being a recent example. He was replaced by a whole group of different presenters. It happens all the time.
the truth
03-10-2016, 01:39 AM
IF this is true then that is appalling. I am not one for 'X only shortlists' or anything, I firmly believe the best person for the job should always get the job, regardless of sex, colour, religion, whatever
amen
Ithinkiloveyoutoo
03-10-2016, 02:20 AM
Meh it's common. He'll find another job. Maybe he can go work with Tim Burton who says diversity is not needed and diversity is unrealistic in his world of make believe.
Livia
04-10-2016, 10:45 AM
Why not sack a white man? They sack women because they're over 40. Far from being inclusive of other races, it's very devisive because people feel shafted. Much better to ensure that at interview, or at offer of contract, the very best person is chosen, despite their sex, colour or creed. Too much to ask though, right? Got to be PC about it.
Northern Monkey
04-10-2016, 11:03 AM
Political correctness is just another word for oppression of white males.
Tom4784
04-10-2016, 11:13 AM
Political correctness is just another word for oppression of white males.
Oh PLEASE. White males don't know the meaning of oppression. We're literally the most favoured demographic in the world.
Political Correctness isn't oppressive, people that act like they are oppressed by it also happen to have opinions that have fallen out of favour with the times and are mad as hell that their views are no longer as accepted by the general populace.
Crimson Dynamo
04-10-2016, 11:17 AM
https://www.scribd.com/document/326171476/The-Thing-What-I-Wrote
"I asked for space to write something level headed on the subject, rather than be misquoted all over the place. To be fair, they (SUnday Mail) did print it,"
So he had his say and he did say these things
maybe he should be more careful what bolloxio he puts on Twitter
:clap1: at the mail for getting the story
Northern Monkey
04-10-2016, 11:32 AM
Oh PLEASE. White males don't know the meaning of oppression. We're literally the most favoured demographic in the world.
Political Correctness isn't oppressive, people that act like they are oppressed by it also happen to have opinions that have fallen out of favour with the times and are mad as hell that their views are no longer as accepted by the general populace.It's just another weapon to shut down any differing opinions.Just like shouting racist,bigot and homophobe at everything because some people are **** scared of being called those names.Luckily more and more people are seeing these tactics for what they are.
Crimson Dynamo
04-10-2016, 11:37 AM
Does anyone know what the colour mix is of the cleaning staff at the BBC?
When I worked there is was 99% black from what I could see, I wonder if they have introduced diversity in this field?
Tom4784
04-10-2016, 11:40 AM
It's just another weapon to shut down any differing opinions.Just like shouting racist,bigot and homophobe at everything because some people are **** scared of being called those names.Luckily more and more people are seeing these tactics for what they are.
Please, it's not about having your opinion shut down, you're entitled to an opinion. People who act like they are oppressed by PC are just mad that it's no longer the opinion of the majority.
Don't talk about opinions and act like you're being oppressed just because you don't get a raptorous round of applause every time you open your mouth. You have a right to an opinion and people have the right to trash or agree with that opinion. It's a two way street.
You aren't being oppressed, it's just that your opinion no longer matches with the majority like it used to.
the truth
04-10-2016, 12:08 PM
Please, it's not about having your opinion shut down, you're entitled to an opinion. People who act like they are oppressed by PC are just mad that it's no longer the opinion of the majority.
Don't talk about opinions and act like you're being oppressed just because you don't get a raptorous round of applause every time you open your mouth. You have a right to an opinion and people have the right to trash or agree with that opinion. It's a two way street.
You aren't being oppressed, it's just that your opinion no longer matches with the majority like it used to.
white men and fathers especially are being oppressed in this country and have infinitely less support if virtually every area of society. You choose to ignore this simply because you dont care. This decision is racist, sexist, probably ageist too and anti meritocratic. Every job should go to the bets person for the job. Sadly corbyn still demands women only short lists, this insane anti democratic policy will ensure he will be humiliated at the general election. Of course dianne abbot calling all brexitors racists will seal the deal.
Niamh.
04-10-2016, 12:12 PM
white men and fathers especially are being oppressed in this country and have infinitely less support if virtually every area of society. You choose to ignore this simply because you dont care. This decision is racist, sexist, probably ageist too and anti meritocratic. Every job should go to the bets person for the job. Sadly corbyn still demands women only short lists, this insane anti democratic policy will ensure he will be humiliated at the general election. Of course dianne abbot calling all brexitors racists will seal the deal.
This is a comedy radio show though, "the best person for the job" is purely subjective and completely down to what the station are looking for at that particular time. The guys contract had expired and they wanted something different this time round, what on Earth is wrong with that?
Cherie
04-10-2016, 12:14 PM
Where's the proof that this was done for the sake of diversity? People are just gagging for it to be the case so they think they are justified in complaining.
The man just sounds bitter about his contract not being renewed more than anything else.
I was talking in general
Crimson Dynamo
04-10-2016, 12:16 PM
tbh they could not replace him with a women as it is an actual comedy show
Niamh.
04-10-2016, 12:19 PM
tbh they could not replace him with a women as it is an actual comedy show
oh look more casual sexism :rolleyes:
the truth
04-10-2016, 12:22 PM
This is a comedy radio show though, "the best person for the job" is purely subjective and completely down to what the station are looking for at that particular time. The guys contract had expired and they wanted something different this time round, what on Earth is wrong with that?
Its obvious whats wrong with this, they HAD to replace him with a none white man, thats racist and sexist. Hie long list of awards and good ratings were irrelevant to the bbc who are ensalevd to political correctness and quotas. Abhorrent decision based on immoral guidelines. Lets hope he sues this bloated corrupt male hating outdated monolith
Crimson Dynamo
04-10-2016, 12:22 PM
oh look more casual sexism :rolleyes:
i prefer it to the more formal stuff
:hee:
the truth
04-10-2016, 12:23 PM
oh look more casual sexism :rolleyes:
selective as usual, this trivial throw away line said in total jest offends you yet sacking a white man because hes a white man doesnt ?
Niamh.
04-10-2016, 12:24 PM
selective as usual, this trivial throw away line said in total jest offends you yet sacking a white man because hes a white man doesnt ?
He wasn't sacked though
Crimson Dynamo
04-10-2016, 12:27 PM
selective as usual, this trivial throw away line said in total jest offends you yet sacking a white man because hes a white man doesnt ?
Quite right Truth. If i made a joke about a middle aged white man no one would care
Shocking
Northern Monkey
04-10-2016, 01:38 PM
Please, it's not about having your opinion shut down, you're entitled to an opinion. People who act like they are oppressed by PC are just mad that it's no longer the opinion of the majority.
Don't talk about opinions and act like you're being oppressed just because you don't get a raptorous round of applause every time you open your mouth. You have a right to an opinion and people have the right to trash or agree with that opinion. It's a two way street.
You aren't being oppressed, it's just that your opinion no longer matches with the majority like it used to.When somebody says 'You can't say that cos it's not politically correct' it's usually just a tactic to try and scare you from debating any further and usually because the accuser does'nt have any more valid points to add to their argument.
Northern Monkey
04-10-2016, 01:55 PM
It's also the reason that non of the political parties would touch the immigration debate for years because it was'nt 'politically correct' and public sentiment turned into deep frustration.Until UKIP came along and said 'No this needs discussing openly'.People were flocking to the BNP and far right before then.Nick Griffin even got on Question Time.Political correctness shuts down discussion which always leads to trouble.
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