Overview

• Anthony James has publicly accused the BBC of mishandling Wright’s career by secretly axing his flagship afternoon show in 2022 despite record ratings.
• James alleges the decision formed part of a push to shed presenters seen as too “pale, male and stale,” a claim the BBC has rejected.
• He says Wright was assured of a move to a new digital channel by Radio 2 management but never saw the promised transition.
• According to James, the fallout from the cancellation and a failed appeal to director-general Tim Davie took a severe toll on Wright’s physical and mental health.
• BBC Radio 2 will air a tribute concert for Wright later this month, a gesture James argues was prompted by concerns about the network’s public image.