The BBC’s decision to sack Ken Bruce is a “clear-cut” show of ageism, according to broadcaster Liz Kershaw.
The ex-BBC presenter said she may consider organising a class action against the institution as there is “proof” the company has a clear preference for younger presenters.
Speaking on GB News, Kershaw told Dawn Neesom: “Ive been waiting for the evidence to pile up.
“There’s a really clear-cut case now. We’ve had Steve Wright, Ken Bruce, Paul O’Grady and Vanessa Feltz all replaced by younger white men in their 40s.
“It’s in plain sight now. I’m thinking it’s maybe time I organise a class action on the principle of it.
“It’s happened to me as well, a year ago, I couldn’t prove it but I think it’s just a case of numbers.”
Bruce announced in January he would be departing his mid-morning weekday slot on BBC Radio 2 after 31 years.
The Scottish broadcaster will join Greatest Hits Radio later this year in April to present a brand new mid-morning show from 10am to 1pm.
On leaving the BBC, Bruce said: “Nothing stays the same forever and I have decided the time is right for me to move on from Radio 2 when I reach the end of my current contract in March.
Liz Kershaw has slammed the BBC over Ken Bruce's departure
Image: GB News
“It’s been a tremendously happy time for me: I’ve made many friends and worked with many wonderful colleagues. However, I feel that after 45 years of full-time broadcasting on BBC Radio, it’s time for a change.
“I would stress that this is entirely my decision but some new opportunities have come up and I would like to continue my career in a slightly different way in the next few years, the details of which will be revealed shortly.
“I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2 in particular and I’d like to thank everyone who has helped to make the mid-morning show a success.”
Kershaw spoke about how she has met House of Commons Select Committees on how the BBC treats its presenters, saying: “I’ve managed to bring about change in the past.
“I’ve got a track record and it’s even easier now because I’ve got nothing to be afraid of.
The BBC has been accused of 'ageism' by Liz Kershaw
Ian West
“I really admire Ken Bruce for the tweet he put out last week. What happens is, they call you in quietly and it’s divide and rule.
“They tell you your day is up, everyone is queuing to take your job in a way, so you’re really on your own.
“The BBC tries to force you to cooperate by putting out a statement saying ‘I’ve decided to move away,’ when they asked me, I said I’m not doing it.
“What they’ve done to Ken Bruce is so disgusting and so disrespectful, I’m glad it’s coming into the open.
“The BBC can do this because presenters are not staff, you cannot sack anyone in UK employment law because they’ve reached the age of 60 or 65.
Ken Bruce said he was 'disappointed' by the decision to not be kept by the BBC until the conclusion of his contract
Yui Mok
“No presenters are staffed with any such rights.”
Bruce said he had intended to fulfil his contract at Radio 2 which was due to run out at the end of March, but that the BBC had “decided it wants me to leave earlier”.
“I will be presenting my last show on Radio 2 next Friday,” he tweeted.
“I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. Let’s enjoy the week ahead!”
Bruce also told the Daily Mail newspaper: “I was called in at 12.30 and told that my final show would be a week today and wasn’t given any real reason that I understood.
“I’m a little surprised and disappointed.”
Speaking on Bruce's departure, the BBC said: "Ken explained his reasons for leaving Radio 2 in his quote and on air. We respect his decision and wish him the very best of luck in the future as he’s been a much loved part of the Radio 2 family.
"Radio 2 is hugely proud of having a range of presenters from their 30s to 80 years old on the station, an age range which hasn’t changed in decades, in fact Ken Bruce started presenting on Radio 2 at the age of 32.
"Radio 2 will continue to be a multi-generational radio station that serves a 35+ audience with listeners tuning in each week to our brilliant range of programmes, hosted by some of the UK’s best loved presenters.
"We continue to play a wide variety of the best music from the past seven decades, including from the 60s and 70s."
