Former BBC Newsline presenter Donna Traynor has accused the broadcaster of age, sex and disability discrimination during an employment tribunal. Ms Traynor’s lawyer, Patrick Lyttle KC, claimed that she had been bullied and harassed while working for the corporation, which led to her resignation. She alleged that her director, Adam Smyth, had attempted to diminish her role by moving her to present a different programme on Radio Ulster. Although he denied any discrimination, Ms Traynor claims this was motivated by a desire to change the tone of the show to a younger demographic.
Ms Traynor joined the BBC in 1989 and had been one of its most high-profile presenters for over 30 years by the time of her departure. She had previously presented a range of radio news bulletins before being offered a two-year contract to present BBC Newsline’s 18:30 programme five days a week in 2006. She was later given a permanent contract for the same role. However, Mr Lyttle claimed that Ms Traynor’s eventual resignation was due to the BBC’s repeated questioning of, and refusal to accept, expert medical opinion that her deafness in her left ear made her unsuitable for radio work.
The BBC continues to deny the allegations brought against it, with a spokesperson stating that “we reject any accusations of bullying conducted by the BBC. We have robust policies and procedures in place to investigate such allegations and always take appropriate action.” Despite the corporation’s statement, accusations of bullying, harassment and discrimination within the BBC have been widespread over the past few years. In 2021, an independent inquiry found that the broadcaster had covered up a string of abuses by its then-popular presenter, Jimmy Savile.
Ms Traynor’s allegations are now the latest in a long line of accusations against the BBC and its management’s treatment of employees. However, Mr Lyttle’s comments about his client’s medical condition are also a reminder that employers must take all necessary steps to accommodate their employees’ disabilities in the workplace. The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, including in the hiring process, promotion, and providing reasonable adjustments to the workplace. Employers must therefore take steps to ensure that their employees are not disadvantaged or discriminated against due to a disability, and must make any necessary adjustments.
Ms Traynor’s case remains ongoing, and it is too soon to say what the tribunal will find. However, her allegations only heighten concerns over the culture within the broadcasting industry in general, and within the BBC specifically. Regardless of the verdict reached, her case serves as a reminder that workplaces must treat all employees with dignity and respect, and must take all necessary steps to prevent discrimination, bullying, and harassment.
