David Dimbleby: Lack Of Older Women On TV Is A 'Crazy Loss Of Talent'

TV presenter weighed in on debate on lack of female presenters aged 50+ on television

David Dimbleby has contributed to the debate surrounding the representation of older female broadcasters.

The BBC Question Time presenter has argued that the lack of female television presenters has resulted in a 'crazy loss of talent' and is 'demeaning to women'.

Speaking to the Radio Times, the 74-year-old said: 'Women mature elegantly and better than men very often. I don't think age should be a factor for women appearing on television'.

His comments come in the light of Harriet Harman’s investigation into the 'barely visible' representation of women over the age of 50 on TV.

Her research showed that a staggering 82 per cent of TV presenters in the UK over the age of 50 are men.

Only 7 per cent of the total TV workforce are women aged 50+.

Providing an explanation, Dimbleby said: 'There is a section among television executives who are always being hammered – quite wrongly in my view – to get the biggest possible audience, and [they are told] attractive young women will bring in a bigger audience than less attractive, older women – to say nothing of less attractive older men, like me.

'That's the way the TV, not just the BBC, industry works. And I think it's wrong. If you look at American TV you'll find it keeps women at work. It's just a cultural shift that's needed.' What do you think about this debate? Let us know in the comments below.

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