Over 170 media personalities, broadcasters, politicians, activists, and lawyers have come to the defence of the radio presenter and journalist Sangita Myska, after her “abrupt” and unexplained departure from LBC in April. [1] [2]
In a strong show of support, the signatories — which include the Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana, the musician Charlotte Church, the Guardian columnist Owen Jones, the barrister Martin Forde KC, and senior journalists at the BBC and Channel 4 — have warned,
“…the unexplained disappearance for weeks of a high profile, popular journalist from LBC’s schedule — the only Asian presenter in a regular slot — shocked, upset, and confused her peers and thousands of listeners across the UK, whose strength of feeling is palpable.” [1]
The signatories, which were further bolstered in number by the influx of dozens more prominent names in the industry and further afield in the past week, continue,
“The abrupt nature of Sangita’s departure, and the absence of an explanation, has been interpreted by many as the station’s complete disregard for industry standards relating to diversity, transparency, and attributing value to its audiences, and concern that excellent journalists are at risk for simply doing their job and asking robust questions.
“Sangita’s journalistic record and professional integrity remains unimpeachable. Her approach is fair and balanced.
“She established a ‘rare rapport’ with her audience, author Tim Walker notes, at a time when public trust in the mainstream media is low. Our concern is recent events could undermine that trust further.” [1]
In addition to Zarah Sultana, fellow Labour politicians John McDonnell and Yasmin Qureshi have also signed the open letter. [2]
Why was Sangita Myska taken off air?
The broadcaster, who is of African and Indian heritage, first began her weekend phone-in slot at LBC in June of 2022.
She had been a familiar face among the line-up, which includes Andrew Marr, Clive Bull, Nick Ferrari, and others. [3]
During the ongoing Gaza genocide, she has been particularly outspoken when conducting interviews with spokespeople for the apartheid state.
She conducted repeated sparring sessions with the likes of now suspended “Israeli government spokesman” Eylon Levy between 15 October and 16 December 2023. [4]
No coincidence that Vanessa Feltz has joined LBC
In early May, LBC parent company Global expressed gratitude for Myska’s “fantastic contribution” over the past two years, while also noting that Vanessa Feltz — described by The Electronic Intifada Associate Editor Asa Winstanley as a “dedicated Zionist fanatic” — would front a new LBC show on 4 May. [5]
While not seen as a direct replacement for Myska (with the new position being 15:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays compared to Myska’s 13:00-16:00 on both Saturdays and Sundays), there has been widespread criticism of the broadcaster’s decision to move her on. [5]
As the signatories of the open letter state,
“Diversity also matters. Sangita has used her platform to uplift underrepresented voices, mentor diverse talent, provide allyship to a wide range of communities, tell their stories, while challenging racist narratives and institutional bias with intelligence, wit, and lived experience.
“Little wonder then that Sangita soon became a favourite presenter at LBC attracting a large, growing and loyal listenership from all backgrounds, inspired by her journalism, honesty, and bravery in holding public figures to account. Clips of her shows have regularly received millions of views online and much praise.
“In a world beset by disinformation and misinformation, Sangita’s voice as a truth teller throughout her career is even more sought after now and is missed. The huge outcry by her followers in recent weeks and those concerned about press freedoms highlights this. We stand in solidarity with Sangita Myska and look forward to the return of her valued journalism.” [1]
Analysis
ANALYSIS
The last throes for legacy media
What we’re seeing is the final throes of a legacy media in agony over losing its grip over narrative, due to the widespread availability of information online.
I am in two minds over whether to demand these dying companies become less comically racist or just say good riddance and focus our attention toward the need to build new media platforms and ecosystems from the ground up, based on truth instead of indoctrination.
The superficial presence of token ‘diverse’ faces on this particular platform arguably allows it to feign respectability whilst promoting racist discourses.
After all, one only needs to remember that Myska replaced none other than the infamous Maajid Nawaz, who obediently demonised Muslims and other cartoon villains on a weekly basis for his xenophobic stakeholders. The 'good immigrant'.
Did she go too far?
Myska’s disappearance suggests that they went too far, as she wasn’t as obedient as they thought she’d be.
Either way, she and others (who have committed the crime of journalism over the last few months) should count themselves lucky; all that Zionist fanatics were able to afflict on them was career damage, rather than assassinating them alongside their families and neighbours.
Also read
- Is LBC’s firing of Katie enough to combat Nazi “solutions”?
- Media continues unfair reporting on Israeli invasion of Gaza
- Western state media in disinformation drive to justify Gaza genocide
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[3] https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/
