DIVERSITY-obsessed BBC bosses are overlooking the white working class, veteran broadcaster Justin Webb says.
Executives are so focused on “frantically ticking boxes” they risk missing out on the next John Humphrys, the journalist, 58, fears.
Justin Webb claims the BBC need to do more to encourage white working-class kids to join his trade[/caption]
He described his outgoing Radio 4 Today show co-host, who rose from humble roots in Wales, as typical of the 1960s working class who “had to fight authority and the establishment to get where they were”.
He added: “In an age of prissy concern about ‘identity’ — with broadcasting bosses frantically ticking boxes to make sure ‘diversity’ is achieved — there is a risk that this aspect of diversity, which really makes a difference, is completely ignored.
“It’s the mouthy, white working-class kids with attitude who don’t get attracted to our trade.”
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Justin added broadcasters should hire more people without a privileged education.
He told Radio Times: “We can be different ethnicities and have a giddy array of sexual preferences but, if we all spent our early years punting alongside ancient buildings, who cares? How diverse is that?
“To its credit, the BBC is aware of this … and is trying to find ways of attracting modern Johns. And Janes.”
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