TV AND radio star Nihal Arthanayake has slammed the BBC for its lack of diversity – saying they treat staff “like pets”.
The journalist 54, claims very few changes have been made over the last 12 months after having previously called the broadcaster out.
He agreed with an anonymous BBC employee who said they’ve been treated like ‘pets’[/caption]
Taking to his Instagram, Nihal shared a video from his car as he spoke about his concerns and revealed he’s set to leave in September.
Nihal said: “So today I walked into the BBC building in Salford and I was struck yet again, not for the first time, just how few black and Asian people work in that building and one thing that people have to understand is that when you walk into an environment where you just don’t see anybody that looks like you, that has an effect.
“Since I called them out on it, well over a year ago, it seems like ain’t a damn thing changed.”
He captioned it: “I remember calling out BBC North on the lack of diversity in the building I worked in.
“I remember speaking to some of the black and Asian people who worked there and I kept hearing how isolating it was for them (not all obviously).
“It just struck me again today.
“It also reminded why I I’ll be leaving in September. Have pondered whether to press ‘share’ on this, but as I am leaving anyway.”
Yesterday, Nihal also shared a screengrab of a message from a BBC employer, who he has kept anonymous.
It read: “I’m not sure the BBC is a place for people of colour. I feel we get treated like ‘pets’ that we should be grateful, despite grafting for our positions and dare we speak out.”
Alongside the claim, Nihal wrote: “Not sure I can disagree with these sentiments from someone who DM’d me about their experience of working at the BBC.”
He added: “Had so many dms from people of colour who have worked or are still working at the BBC. BBC North is not an inclusive environment for people of colour. I am not the only one who thinks that.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “We’re sorry if anyone feels this way, as creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong is a big priority for us and we know we have further to go.
“Whilst we’re proud of the diversity of the BBC, we remain committed to continuing to build a workforce that fully reflects and represents the whole of the UK.”
Last May, the Essex born journalist and former rap music promoter revealed he had left BBC 5 Live after eight years, with Times Radio presenter Matt Chorley replacing him.
Nihal currently hosts two interviews on Sunday evenings in a slot called Headliners with Nihal Arthanayake, which is also available as a podcast. He also occasionally presents Loose Ends on BBC Radio 4.
Just after he announced his BBC 5 Live exit, Nihal shared his next career move.
He said: “Hello everyone, some professional news from me.
“I am leaving daytimes on @bbc5live to concentrate on the aspect of broadcasting I love most, which is in depth long form interviews, which I will continue to do on @bbc5live on Sunday evenings and the Headliners Podcast.
“I also need more time to finish my second book! And have more time to do the things that I never seem to have time to.
“Thank you for being such an incredible audience for the last 8 years! My last daytime show will be 27th June. let’s have a party.”
He also worked on BBC Radio 1 from 2002 to 2014.
In April 2023 Nihal revealed his ordeal a “drunk man” in Altrincham where he had been drinking with his wife and said he was racially abused.
In a shocking video posted on Twitter he said the man asked him if he was a doctor before calling him a p*** and using the n-word, a racist slur.
In November he admitted that working within an “overwhelmingly white” environment at the BBC depressed him, and said it had affected his mental health due to the lack of diversity.
He said: “It’s really affecting me that I walk in and all I see is white people.”
Nihal said he’ll be quitting his current role in September[/caption]
Matt Chorley replaced Nihal in June 2024 on BBC 5 Live[/caption]
