Blurred vision
As such, Mr Dimbleby – and also Ms Ford – are right when they accuse the BBC of demeaning older women because overpaid TV executives hold the misguided belief that gravitas is no substitute for the youthful appeal of fresh-faced presenters.
Given Britain’s changing demographics, it is naive of the BBC to concentrate, almost exclusively at times, on securing a younger audience when the age profile of society is increasing. And, furthermore, it is perverse to marginalise talented presenters – like North Yorkshire’s Selina Scott – when the familiarity of such experienced broadcasters is likely to increase viewing figures, the test that every programme needs to pass.