Martine Croxall, along with fellow BBC presenters Annita McVeigh, Karin Giannone, and Kasia Madera, has initiated legal proceedings against the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of sex and age discrimination as well as unequal pay. The allegations emerged after these presenters were overlooked for chief presenter roles following the merger of the BBC’s international and domestic news channels. They contend that the recruitment process used in this restructuring was biased, leading to their demotion and reduction in pay.

The legal action, which reflects broader concerns about gender equality at the BBC, is being considered during a two-day preliminary hearing in London. This follows a background where other BBC presenters, such as Samira Ahmed, have successfully contested the corporation’s pay policies, highlighting ongoing issues with pay parity and gender discrimination within the organization. According to the presenters, the selection process was not only predetermined but was also conducted in a manner that guaranteed their positions and income levels would see significant cuts.

As this tribunal unfolds, it adds to the ongoing discourse about the treatment of female employees in the media sector, particularly in terms of compensation and career advancement. The BBC has denied the allegations, asserting that their procedures were both thorough and impartial. The legal costs associated with defending these cases have mounted, surpassing £1 million. The outcome of this tribunal could have considerable implications for future employment and equality policies at the BBC.