The man who dropped controversial pundit John McCririck from Channel 4’s racing coverage today claimed he was “a comic act rather than a serious racing journalist”.
Jamie Aitchison, commissioning editor for sport, said McCririck had been axed because he was “unappealing and irritating” to viewers rather than due to his age.
The 73-year-old former presenter has taken his ageism case to the Central London Employment Tribunal.
However, Channel 4 and IMG media both contest the claim and instead say he was replaced for “legitimate and justified reasons”.
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Aitchison told the tribunal: “John McCririck's exaggerated tone and style and propensity to offend was out of step with the vision for the programme, and also unappealing and irritating to many current and potential viewers."
The hearing continues.
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