BBC must include women in sports award shortlist, says Harman
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
The BBC was facing a growing backlash last night over the absence of any women from its shortlist for Sports Personality of the Year.
Harriet Harman, deputy Labour leader, demanded a rethink, while female MPs wrote to director-general, Mark Thompson, protesting that the omission would deter women from taking part in sport. The BBC said yesterday it stood by the shortlisting system, but promised to review it for next year.
Ms Harman said names on the 10-strong list could have included Jessica Ennis, the athlete, Chrissie Wellington, the triathlete, Rebecca Adlington and Keri-Anne Payne, the swimmers, and Sarah Stevenson, the taekwondo champion. "They are inspirations to girls and young sportswomen," she said.
"It is not good enough for the BBC just to review the shortlist process for next year," she added. "They must act to ensure women are included this year."
In a letter to Mr Thompson, MPs accused the BBC of "ignoring women's achievements" in 2011.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments