BBC “UNFAIR” TO BLACK PEOPLE CLAIMS REPORTER

23-04-2007

Former BBC WM reporter Veron Graham has launched a stinging attack on his former employers in tonight’s Birmingham Mail following The Stirrer’s revelation that a disillusioned black presenter, Robert Beckford, has quit the station.

Writing in his regular Monday column, Graham (once the corporation’s Community Affairs reporter) says: “It's sad to see Sunday morning presenter Dr Robert Beckford leave the BBC, but it's not as bad as listening to the corporation continue to pretend they have any interest in being fair to black people.”

He adds: “I saw countless black colleagues' routes to progression blocked and proven abilities questioned while colleagues, some with less ability but all with less pigmentation in their skin, climbed the ladder.”

To see the story in full, you’ll also have to pop out to the newsagents and buy the Mail; and while you’re there pick up a copy of The Guardian as well - The Stirrer’s account of the Beckford story makes page 9 of the Media Section.

As we reported on Saturday (see the story here), local BBC bosses are so concerned about the revelations, they’ve already held a meeting with leaders of the African-Caribbean community in the West Midlands - but community leaders are still pressing for a meeting with director general Mark Thompson.

Does the BBC represent the cultural diversity of the West Midlands? Leave a comment on the Beckford thread on our messageboard.