Departure follows interview with Israeli spokesperson about Gaza

Location: United Kingdom, London
Date: May 10, 2024

Women Press Freedom expresses deep concern over the sudden departure of Sangita Myska, a renowned radio presenter and former BBC reporter, from LBC. Myska has not been on air since April 20 following a contentious interview with an Israeli spokesperson regarding the ongoing war on Gaza. The unexplained disappearance of the high-profile, popular journalist from LBC’s schedule — the only Asian presenter in a regular slot — is shocking. Sangita’s journalistic record and professional integrity are unimpeachable, her approach is fair and balanced. She established a ‘rare rapport’ with her audience at a time when public trust in the mainstream media is low. Our concern is that recent events could undermine that trust further. Women Press Freedom criticizes the station's handling of Myska’s departure, which reflects a disregard for industry standards related to diversity, transparency, and valuing its audience. We urge LBC to address this issue transparently and reinstate Sangita Myska, ensuring that diverse voices and rigorous journalism remain on-air.

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Sangita Myska, a renowned radio presenter and former BBC reporter, has not been on air at LBC since April 20. The station announced last week that Myska would be leaving at the end of her contract, which she began in 2022.

Her departure follows a contentious interview with an Israeli spokesperson regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. Women Press Freedom worries this interview led to her abrupt removal. Despite her absence from the station, LBC has retained the YouTube clip of the interview on its channel.

Women Press Freedom’s senior editor, Inge Snip, has joined the open letter supporting Myska, which has the signatures of over 100 media personalities, activists, broadcasters, and lawyers. 

A petition on Change.org calling for Myska's reinstatement has amassed more than 35,000 signatures. 

Journalist Dhruti Shah, one of the letter’s co-authors, praised Myska's integrity and influence in the field of journalism.

“Sangita Myska is a journalist who has paved the way for many others in our field,” she says. “Her journalism has been of the highest integrity, and we look forward to the return of it.

Fellow LBC broadcasters have noticeably refrained from commenting on Myska’s departure, seemingly distancing themselves from the controversy. LBC has yet to comment publicly on the reasons behind Myska's departure or the calls for her reinstatement.

Myska, the daughter of immigrants with a career marked by integrity and dedication to truth-telling, has provided a crucial counterbalance in a media landscape often dominated by privilege. Her sudden disappearance from the airwaves undermines the trust audiences place in media institutions and highlights the precarious position of journalists who dare to ask tough questions.

The diversity Myska brings to the media is invaluable. She has consistently uplifted underrepresented voices, mentored diverse talent, and provided allyship to various communities. Her departure represents a significant loss to journalism.

Women Press Freedom stands firmly with Sangita Myska and supports the call for her immediate reinstatement. We criticize the station's handling of Myska’s departure, suggesting it reflected a disregard for industry standards related to diversity, transparency, and valuing its audience. 

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