BBC Accused of Ageism

From Urmee Khan @ the Telegraph:

Mark Thompson, the Director General of the BBC, has promised to put more older women on television following the backlash after axing Arlene Phillips from Strictly Come Dancing.

Thousands of viewers complained to the broadcaster about perceived ‘ageism’ as 30 year old Alesha Dixon, a pop star who won the competition in 2007, was brought in.

BBC One recently bought back Anne Robinson, 64, as the host of consumer programme Watchdog and Jay Hunt, the controller of BBC One, said that Victoria Wood would be returning to present a one hour Christmas special.

Television insiders have speculated that names such as Moira Stewart, Kate Adie, and Sheila Hancock could suddenly be in the mix.