Ed case

Leader writers, columnists, diarists LOVE the BBC. The organisation serves up talking points on a bi-weekly basis. And they write, ruminate and rumble.

Ed Stourton had to phone in to find out his Today contract would not be renewed.

Daily Mail leader "No broadcasting organisation on earth has more overseers and personnel managers than the BBC. How do these people justify their keep, when they treat viewers (re Strictly Come Dancing votes) and staff alike with such contempt ?"

The Mail's gossip writer Ephraim Hardcastle notes that Craig Brown and A.N.Wilson, freelances as well, got the boot from the Telegraph without public fuss. "So stop moping, Ed. Why not use the "I was sacked" coverage to spring yourself out of this radio dead-end, and into something better ?"

Max Hastings, also in the Mail "Ed Stourton is a clever man who usually knows what he is talking about. It should not matter in the slightest degree that he possesses a 'posh' accent. If the BBC is in reality removing him from Today for other reasons, then it has only itself to blame for the row which has erupted".

Gillian Reynolds, doyenne of radio critics, in the Telegraph "Tactically, it's brilliant. Too bad Ed Stourton had to be the catalyst".

Tim Walker, "Mandrake" in the Telegraph: "When I asked Justin Webb what he wants to bring to the Radio 4 Today programme when he takes over from Ed Stourton, he could only reply limply: 'Let me get permission from my elders and get straight back.' The timid lamb never did and that is precisely why Mandrake will campaign in the weeks ahead to save Posh Ed, who is at least his own man."

Guardian leader: "Mr Stourton is right to make a public fuss. The BBC owes him both an apology and a job".

Jackie Ashley, commenting in the Guardian: "...class is back. I even fear poor Ed Stourton is collateral damage, losing his job on Today just when there's a kickback against genial coves with large tums and posh voices elsewhere in public life...."

Brian Groom in the FT; "Why does the BBC seem such a mean-spirited organisation ? Does the arrogance come from knowing its funding from the licence fee is assured ? The way Ed Stourton heard of his sacking from the Today programme - from a journalist checking out the rumour - was typical. He deserves an apology, at the least."