Sangita Myska Unlikely To Return To LBC After Being “Disappeared,” Sparking Listener Revolt
30.04.2024 - 16:11
/ deadline.com
EXCLUSIVE: Sangita Myska is unlikely to be restored to influential UK news radio station LBC after being taken off air in opaque circumstances, sparking a revolt among listeners.
The former BBC journalist was abruptly removed from her LBC weekend show on April 20 and was replaced by Ali Miraj, a former Conservative Party parliamentary candidate.
Myska being “disappeared” has stoked anger among LBC’s 3M listeners, with more than 22,000 people signing a petition demanding she be reinstated in her 1-4PM slot on Saturday and Sunday.
Her treatment has also surprised some colleagues, with supporters arguing that LBC’s parent company Global had mishandled how her departure had been communicated. Global and Myska declined to comment.
The lack of explanation about her exit has fueled viral online speculation that she was suspended for her robust interview with Israeli government spokesperson Avi Hyman on April 14.
It is beginning to look like Sangita Myska has been forced off LBC due to this interview.pic.twitter.com/j4YyzmPB4i
Global insiders downplayed this suggestion, pointing to the fact that the full interview was posted to LBC’s YouTube channel and remains available to view.
Sources familiar with Global’s thinking argued the that truth is somewhat more mundane: LBC is planning to replace Myska amid a wider weekend schedule shakeup.
On Monday, Labour MP David Lammy was replaced in his Sunday morning slot by Lewis Goodall, who co-hosts the popular Global podcast The News Agents. A replacement for Myska is set to be unveiled imminently.
Three sources said Global bosses had cited Myska’s falling hourly audience as motivation for the refresh, despite the presenter growing her reach by 12.5% to 465,000 in the most recent