The future of the BBC’s flagship black political debate programme is uncertain after its star presenter said it had been “axed”.
Dotun Adebayo has hosted Dotun on Sunday, a programme discussing issues facing London’s diverse communities, for more than 20 years.
On Sunday, BBC Radio London announced on Twitter that the show will be continuing without Adebayo, and would focus on “stories about London’s black community”.
But Adebayo replied to say: “Just to clarify, this statement is incorrect. At no time have I ‘stepped down’ from my role presenting the BBCs only black political debate programme. It was axed.”
His statement left many campaigners concerned about the future of the show, which is well-known within London’s African-Caribbean communities and has focused on a host of issues from knife crime, Brexit, to arts and culture.
An open letter of complaint has been launched and shared on social media by BAME campaign group Lawyers for Justice, a national platform for Black and ethnic minority lawyers and community activists.
They wrote: “It’s vital that BBC programming in the capital, reflects this diversity and ensures that all of London’s ethnic communities are being treated fairly.
“We call upon the BBC to suspend the decision to shut down this important African and Caribbean news platform and to enter into discussions with us, on behalf of London’s black communities to fully explore this issue and ensure the needs of our communities are being fully met by the Corporation.”
A BBC spokesperson told HuffPost UK that Adebayo’s departure date has not yet been confirmed.
“Our Sunday evening programme will have a new presenter but will still focus on London’s black communities. Dotun Adebayo remains very much a part of the station. We work hard to reflect London’s diversity across our output,” she added.
Patrick Vernon, a member of BAME Lawyers for Justice, told HuffPost UK: “Dotun’s show for the last 20 years has been a key institution for Black Londoners exploring and sharing big topics of the day from education, criminal justice, knife crime, mental health, younger people, political representation, Windrush scandal and the importance of Black history.” Vernon called the decision to remove Adebayo “short-sighted”.
Priscellia Phyia Robinson, Barrister of Justitia Chambers, said that BAME Lawyers for Justice have scheduled a meeting with the BBC in which several issues will discussed.
“We are concerned that, with the large African and Caribbean population, it has the lowest number of BBC broadcasting hours dedicated to the community of any other similar ethnic sized community in London; we want it increased,” she told HuffPost UK.
“The BBC have also failed to address why they made the decision to axe the show in the first place without consultation.
“We further wish to know how designated central funding for black programming is being used by the BBC alongside their decision making policies when it comes to axing black shows.”
Henry Bonsu, a veteran broadcaster who presented a show on BBC London until 2004, criticised at the time the lack of coverage of the realities facing the black community.
Speaking to The Guardian, he said: “Choice FM was about getting black music on the air and the BBC responded to that by launching 1Xtra. There’s the Asian Network for the Asian community, but there’s nothing out there for black people who want to listen to talk radio that examines the issues affecting them.”
The announcement about Adebayo’s departure prompted criticism and concern from listeners. Former head of BBC Scotland Marcus Ryder said: “The bigger issue unfortunately is the lack of trust much of the black audience has with the reassurances that the BBC will not reduce its commitment to providing current affairs specifically covering black issues.”
Evadney Campbell MBE, who presented a show on BBC Radio Gloucestershire up until 2007, tweeted: “This is unacceptable. If Dotun Adebayo is ready to move on then fine. If he’s not, then BBC need to rethink. I’m sick of the little services provided to Black people being decimated at someone’s whim.”
It is understood that Adebayo will continue presenting on ‘Up All Night’ on BBC 5Live from 1-5am between Friday and Sunday, in addition to other BBC Radio London programmes.
UPDATE: A BBC spokesperson confirmed to HuffPost UK on Thursday that the decision has now been made for Adebayo to continue hosting the show. She said: “Dotun will continue to present our Sunday evening programme. We don’t talk about private staffing matters but this is a welcome outcome for all involved.
“Dotun is an outstanding presenter and a valued member of our team. We have a responsibility to look after our staff and were concerned about his schedule presenting eight shows a week, including an overnight show seven nights a week.
“We discussed this with Dotun and a decision was made to ease his workload. We appreciate his desire to continue with his Sunday show so can confirm he will now do that while reducing his overnight shows to six a week.”