Jon Holmes, a writer and comedian who appeared on BBC Radio 4's The Now Show for 18 years, has accused the broadcaster of sacking him because he is a white man. In an article for the Mail on Sunday, Holmes said he was told the programme was being recast with 'more women and diversity'.
Holmes, who has also presented on four other BBC radio stations and XFM, said he supports a properly representative multicultural society but believes the corporation has gone too far. 'Should I, as a white man (through no fault of my own), be fired from my job because I am a white man?' he wrote. 'To be told it's because I'm the wrong sex and colour? I'm just not sure that's helpful to anyone's cause.'
The broadcaster said his initial tweet about the issue prompted other presenters, actors and agents to share similar experiences, including an agent told that his client was 'perfect for the role' but that they had been instructed 'to cast someone Asian'. Holmes insisted he was not motivated by sour grapes but by concern that the BBC's approach was wrong, a sentiment he claims is shared privately by many within the corporation.
Holmes argued that giving jobs based on skin colour emphasises social division rather than eliminating it. He called for equal opportunities for all, irrespective of identity. The BBC has faced pressure to increase diversity since former director general Greg Dyke labelled it 'hideously white' in 2001, with Ofcom chief Sharon White recently warning of tougher penalties for non-compliance.
A BBC spokesman said: 'While the government's new charter for the BBC does set us diversity targets, we always hire presenters on merit. We'd like to thank Jon Holmes for his contribution but our comedy shows are constantly evolving and it was simply time to create opportunities for new regulars when The Now Show returns this autumn. Jon's contract was lapsed and wasn't renewed and this was a creative not a diversity decision.'
