[Tony2005]

McCririck offputting for viewers tribunal told


JOHN MCCRIRICK was "unappealing and irritating" to current and potential viewers of Channel 4 Racing while his outspoken attitude was also a concern, an employment tribunal heard on Wednesday.

The claims were made by Jamie Aitchison, Channel 4's sports editor, who told the tribunal that Channel 4 and IMG decided to axe McCririck due to concerns about his "pantomime" style and outspoken personality, which bosses believed would prove incompatible with the more polished and highbrow direction they intended to take Channel 4 Racing from 2013.

Aitchison was the first witness for Channel 4 and IMG Media Limited in the employment tribunal brought by McCririck following his dismissal last December after 29 years at Channel 4 Racing. The racing pundit, 73, claims he was let go due to his age and is seeking £3 million in damages.

"I and those at IMG believed that 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," Aitchison said in his witness statement to the central London tribunal.

He added: "There were aspects of his character and presenting style which were not popular and gave the programmes a bit of a farcical tone at times.

"His over-exaggerated gestures and facial expressions to camera alongside occasional extreme views on often controversial subjects riled viewers and colleagues alike."

Noting that it was "critical" that Channel 4 Racing appeal to a wider audience following a successful bid to become the sole terrestrial broadcaster of racing, Aitchison described McCririck's on-screen style as being "incongruous with the more serious, measured and journalistic style proposed for the programme".

In cross-examination with McCririck's representative Jennifer Eady QC, Aitchison said there was no point asking McCririck to change or tone down his style.

"In my opinion if you employ John McCririck you get John McCririck," he said. "You don't employ John McCririck and ask him to present like Terry Wogan."

"That sounds a lot like you can't teach an old dog new tricks," responded Eady.

The hearing continues.