Age on the box

Peter Sissons has waded into the controversy over alleged ageism by the BBC (your report, 20 July). This issue is a lot more complicated than he and other aggrieved individuals like Selina Scott may think.

Many people, like me, are quite happy to see Mr Sissons and women presenters like Joan Bakewell, Angela Rippon, Moira Stewart and Anna Ford front serious and not-so-serious programmes. Is it realistic to assume that sufficiently large numbers of the viewing population have the same attitude?

The nature of television has changed radically in the past 20 years. This is an intensely competitive field. Broadcasters have to research continuously the market and find out what viewers think, not just about programme content but those who present them. Any business would adapt its strategy accordingly.

Putting certain presenters in front of the camera as a token gesture towards equality is likely to backfire in terms of lower viewing figures, lower income, a reputation for lack of inventiveness. What we see on television needs to be challenging, competitive, informed and entertaining. A continuing obsession with the age or sex of the presenter is misplaced. What matters is whether the person connects with public, has credibility, and makes people want to tune in again for more of the same.

BOB TAYLOR

Shiel Court Glenrothes