Again

My former BBC colleague Alan Ashton is a relentless opponent of 'guest editors' on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Perhaps one day, the Telegraph letters editor will realise... 

November 22, 2022

SIR – I spent nearly 30 years at the BBC, mainly in the radio newsroom, then in news management. If “guest editors” had been suggested (report, November 28), especially when I was deputy editor on Today, I would have had to resign or take time off. It is an insult to staff, especially those on the lower levels who may hope to edit one day.

Many of us would love to be a guest Speaker of the House of Commons, guest Chancellor of the Exchequer or guest manager of Arsenal. Fortunately, however, these posts are left to the professionals. Why not at the BBC?

Alan Ashton
Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire

December 27, 2022

SIR – I spent nearly 30 years at the BBC, mainly in an editorial role in the radio newsroom – which included the night we joined the Common Market – later on Today, Radio 1, Radio 4 and in news management.

If “guest editors” including Lord Botham and Jamie Oliver had been suggested, especially when I was deputy editor on Today, I would have had to resign or take annual leave. It is an insult to the editorial staff, especially those on the lower levels who might one day hope to edit a programme.

After all, many of us would love to be a guest speaker of the House of Commons, guest chancellor of the Exchequer or even guest manager of Arsenal or Manchester United. In the latter role, I personally could rant and rave at the referee and the opposition with the best (or worst) of them.

However, these posts are fortunately left to the professionals. Why can’t the BBC be the same?

Alan Ashton

Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire