BBC ex-boss Hunt hits back in Countryfile ageist row

The former BBC One controller Jay Hunt has denied she hates women at a tribunal surrounding an ex-presented who is seeking compensation for alleged sex and age discrimination. The compensation claim is being made by former Countryfile presenter Miriam OReilly, although Ms Hunt has stated the claims are entirely and categorically untrue. Miriam OReilly, aged 53, is claiming that she was dropped from the rural news show when it moved to a prime time slot on Sunday evenings in 2009. Although, the BBC has stated that the presented was not axed due to her age. Claims are being made that other presenters have also been dropped due to their age. Juliet Morris, another presenter axed by the BBC has claimed that it was because Jay Hunt hated women. A tribunal was held on Wednesday in London and Ms Hunt has stated the statements are entirely and categorically untrue as well as profoundly distressing and utterly offensive. I have had my own difficulties surviving in this industry. For that reason, the last thing I would ever do is ever discriminate against anyone on the basis of gender or age. Nothing could be further from my mind. Ms Hunt, the former BBC One boss is now working for Channel 4 and has stated that numerous women who work in the industry have contacted her to show their support.