Over-50s under-represented on BBC television

The BBC needs more over-50s in its programmes, according to the Anchor Trust, the UK’s largest provider of housing and care for older people.

An ‘older faces audit’, commissioned by the Anchor Trust, found that only 20% of presenters and actors on BBC1 are over 50 years old, compared with 27% on ITV1.

The figures were collated across the five main terrestrial channels between 20 and 27 February, reports the BBC.

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Jane Ashcroft, Anchor’s chief executive, said: “Rather than condemning older presenters and actors to the scrap heap, it is time for television executives to embrace the wealth and talent and experience they may offer.”

A BBC spokesman said: “We do not believe a one-week sample study is an accurate reflection of the BBC’s output throughout the year.”