More Political Correctness By The Bbc.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/10/bbc-john-inverdale-clare-balding-wimbledon-5-live

/// “The introduction of Wimbledon 2Day, presented by Clare Balding, will provide a fresh new look for the highlights show and continue to develop the ‘today at the games’ brand which Clare presented at both the Sochi Winter Olymhttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/10/bbc-john-inverdale-clare-balding-wimbledon-5-livepics and Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014,” said a BBC spokesman. ///

/// The 44-year old’s star has been in the ascendency since the London 2012 Olympics, where her warmth, enthusiasm and professionalism led her to be labelled a “national treasure”. ///

Is she really a "STAR" not to mention a "NATIONAL TREASURE"?

[Zacs-Master]

She's been on TV for at least 10 years. Is there really any need to debate whether she is a Star? I'm pretty sure she fits the qualification criteria.

[Fitzer]

But since the Guardian report doesn't call her 'a star' (see Jno's comment) and puts quotes around national treasure then it would appear that they are either being ironic with the national treasure bit or simply reporting what others have said.

[andy-hughes]

Zacs - //I'm pretty sure she fits the qualification criteria. //

Having already missed the irony of one post on a separate thread, I am keen not to do the same - are you being sarcastic here?

[EcclesCake]

My lack of awareness?

It was you, AOG, who demonstrated your lack of awareness of the term 'star in ascendancy'.

And with regards the title I am still at a loss to work out where political correctness comes into the equation, is your jibe a reference to Balding's gender or sexual orientation or something else?

[mccfluff]

how is it political correctness?

[mikey4444]

Like Mccfluff, I too would like an answer on that one AOG.

[RandyMarsh]

I think talent has got her this gig rather than her sexuality.

[bazwillrun]

"why do you think choosing a capable sports presenter has anything to do with political correctness?"

haha, jno you do realise its The Blatantly Biased Corp we are talking about here...they cant breathe without making sure of quotas, PC etc etc...

[bazwillrun]

and no Im not suggesting she isnt talented, but like i said its the BBC so boxes have to be ticked and luckily she kills a couple of birds with one stone ! (no puns intended)...win win for them

[Zacs-Master]

Andy. No.

[andy-hughes]

bazwillrun - //why do you think choosing a capable sports presenter has anything to do with political correctness?"

haha, jno you do realise its The Blatantly Biased Corp we are talking about here...they cant breathe without making sure of quotas, PC etc etc... //

There is really only ever a point to a 'politically correct' action if people know about it - and in the case of Claire Balding, she has, with the support and backing of her employers, ensured that her work is based on her merit as a presenter, and not connected to her orientation, which is absolutely as it should be - so where AOG's mention of 'political correctness' originates is something we await an answer on.

[andy-hughes]

Zacs - thanks for clarifying, so I can now carry on with the question your post prompted -

//She's been on TV for at least 10 years. Is there really any need to debate whether she is a Star? I'm pretty sure she fits the qualification criteria. //

What do you see as the qualification criteteria - is it longevity?

[Rtaxron]

## I fear we may be having just a bit too much of the lovely Clare. ##

I agree ric, and I hate the word STAR being referred to for somebody on TV or screen, a star is up in the sky!!!!!

[ummmm]

She wasn't referred to as a star. It says 'the 44 years old's star has been in the ascendency'

[Bazile]

Just send her back to presenting donkey races

[Gromit]

Lesbianism and Tennis are not that strange bedfellows.

[anotheoldgit]

I apologise for overlooking the Apostrophe S. now for all those who want an answer to the PC label I gave the BBC.

*** Move follows storm over presenter’s sexist comments about Marion Bartoli in 2013 and X-rated slip-up in Radio 5 Live’s Cheltenham coverage this year ***

Apparently Ms Bartoli wasn't a little offended over his remark, and remain the best of friends.

[andy-hughes]

AOG - //Apparently Ms Bartoli wasn't a little offended over his remark, and remain the best of friends. //

Maybe not, but the remark shows a lack of judgement on Mr Inverdale's part, and that is what the BBC - as a publicly funded broadcaster, must be mindful of at all times.

If I went on air and called the head of the All England Club an utter tw~t, but he knows I didn't mean it, and took it as the joke I intended, I still wouldn't expect to keep my job!

[joeluke]

It probably ticks another of the BBC's boxes

Lesbian tennis presenter............check

[FrogNog]

Even if Ms Bartoli wasn't directly offended, many people will have been AOG and he represented the BBC.
You're not daft enough not to realise that.