BBC Boss Told Angela Rippon to Quit TV for Younger Women, She Calls It Misogynistic
Veteran broadcaster Angela Rippon has disclosed that a former BBC director-general advised her to leave television to "make way for younger women" when she was 50 years old. Rippon, now 81, described the suggestion as "a very misogynistic thing to say" in a recent interview, highlighting ongoing concerns about ageism and gender bias at the corporation.
Career Highlights and Early BBC Role
Angela Rippon began her career at the BBC in the 1970s, making history as the first female journalist to permanently front the BBC's national Nine O'Clock News in 1975. She went on to host a variety of popular programmes, including:
- The first two series of Top Gear
- The ballroom competition Come Dancing
- The long-running Antiques Roadshow
Her pioneering role in television journalism paved the way for future generations of women in broadcasting, yet she faced significant challenges later in her career.
The Controversial Conversation with John Birt
In the early 1990s, when Rippon was 50, she experienced professional setbacks after being removed from certain programmes she was presenting. Seeking resolution, she approached John Birt, who was then the BBC's Director-General. Rippon recounted the conversation on Kate Thornton's White Wine Question Time podcast, explaining that she asked Birt for help with her situation.
According to Rippon, Birt responded by saying, "I can't really do anything, but Angela I think you have to accept that you've had your day and it's time to make way for the younger women coming up behind you." She immediately questioned whether he was having similar discussions with older male presenters like Terry Wogan or Michael Parkinson, noting that they were significantly older than her at the time.
"Of course he wasn't," Rippon stated. "It was a very misogynistic thing to say and as it turned out it was a very inaccurate thing to say as I am now 81 and I'm still here." This incident underscores the double standards often faced by women in the media industry regarding age and career longevity.
Continued Career and Strictly Come Dancing Achievement
Despite this discouraging advice, Angela Rippon continued to work with the BBC and maintain a prominent presence in television. In 2023, she made history again by becoming the oldest-ever contestant on Strictly Come Dancing at the age of 79, demonstrating her enduring appeal and resilience. Her participation in the show was widely celebrated and challenged stereotypes about age in entertainment.
Broader Context of Ageism at the BBC
Rippon's experience is not isolated, as the BBC has faced multiple accusations of ageism over the years. In 2025, four female news presenters—Martine Croxall, Annita McVeigh, Karin Giannone, and Kasia Madera—reached a settlement with the corporation after claiming they lost their BBC News Channel roles due to a "rigged" recruitment process. They stated in a joint announcement that a protracted three-year process had finally concluded, expressing gratitude for public support.
The BBC responded with a statement noting that the resolution avoided further legal costs and tribunal hearings, but emphasized that they did not accept liability or the arguments made against them. This case highlights ongoing tensions between the broadcaster and its employees over fair treatment and representation.
Other instances of alleged ageism at the BBC include:
- In 2023, presenter Caryn Franklin claimed she was dropped from The Clothes Show in the mid-1990s for looking "too old."
- In 2022, 63-year-old Liz Kershaw was replaced on BBC 6 Music by 31-year-old Jamz Supernova. Kershaw posted on social media at the time, "I got sacked from @BBC6Music because they don’t want women over 60."
These examples collectively point to a pattern where older women in broadcasting feel marginalised or pushed out in favour of younger talent, raising important questions about diversity and inclusion in the media landscape.
Legacy and Ongoing Impact
Angela Rippon's revelation adds to the ongoing dialogue about gender and age discrimination in television. Her career, spanning over five decades, serves as a testament to her talent and determination, challenging the notion that women should step aside as they age. The BBC has been contacted for comment regarding Rippon's allegations, and John Birt, now a member of the House of Lords, has also been approached for a response through The Independent.
As the media industry continues to evolve, stories like Rippon's underscore the need for policies that promote equality and combat biases based on age and gender. Her experience reminds us that talent and contribution should not be diminished by arbitrary factors, and that diversity in all its forms enriches broadcasting for audiences everywhere.
