BBC Presenter Martine Croxall Sues Broadcaster for Age and Sex Discrimination

Martine Croxall, a veteran BBC news presenter, is taking legal action against the broadcaster, alleging age and sex discrimination following the merger of the BBC News and World News channels last year. Croxall, 55, is one of five female presenters over the age of 45 who were left off-air for over a year, away from the roles. Since then, only 2 of the 5 women have returned to work, despite reports that they would all be given new on-screen jobs by the start of 2024.

The merger resulted in 18 presenters applying for just 5 positions, with Croxall and her colleagues Jane Hill, Ben Brown, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh missing out on the roles. Since then, only 2 of the 5 women have returned to work, despite reports that they would all be given new on-screen jobs by the start of 2024.

Croxall's case, set to be heard at a central London employment tribunal, will be the most high-profile legal challenge brought against the BBC since Samira Ahmed won a landmark gender pay dispute in 2020. The details of Croxall's specific claims are not yet known, but the tribunal listing indicates the complaint relates to age, sex discrimination, and equal pay.

Why this matters: This case highlights ongoing concerns about the BBC's handling of the restructuring and recruitment process, as well as issues of ageism and gender discrimination within the broadcaster. The outcome of this high-profile tribunal could have significant implications for the BBC's policies and practices regarding diversity, inclusion, and equal pay.

BBC Director General Tim Davie has acknowledged that the situation is "not good" and said the broadcaster is working towards a "fair resolution" for the women affected. The case comes amid ongoing concerns over equal pay and ageism at the BBC, with previous cases like Samira Ahmed's successful equal pay claim and Carrie Gracie's accusations of the BBC lying and briefing against her. "It's not a good situation, I recognise that," Davie said, addressing the treatment of the five women. "We are trying to get a fair resolution for them."

Key Takeaways

• BBC presenter Martine Croxall sues BBC for age, sex discrimination
• 5 female presenters over 45 left off-air for over a year
• Croxall's case is the most high-profile legal challenge since Samira Ahmed
• BBC Director General acknowledges situation "not good", seeks "fair resolution"
• Case highlights ongoing concerns over equal pay and ageism at the BBC