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When I started working in television more than 40 years ago, it never occurred to me that enduring rampant misogyny would be part of the job.
There weren’t many of us back then. Angela Rippon was famous for reading the news and Sue Lawley for presenting Nationwide, but I don’t remember stories of stalkers or death threats appearing in the papers. Of course, there was no social media.
My biggest surprise came in 1982, when I co-presented South Today, the BBC’s regional news programme covering the south of England, with Bruce Parker, which aired every weeknight. The problems began when I was visibly pregnant.
I was inundated with little notes handed to me in the newsroom, like, “How dare you appear on my television in that disgusting state?”, “Don’t you have a husband at home who can earn a living and look after you?” and “What do you think you’re doing, taking a man’s job?”
TV presenter Louise Minchin received intimidating messages threatening to rape her daughter
The worst ones had no notes inside the envelopes, just little piles of excrement wrapped in toilet paper, nothing needed to be said. When I opened the first one, I was in shock and ran to the bathroom to vomit.
Neither the editor nor my colleagues seemed too concerned. They told me to throw them away and forget about it.
There were three or four of these disgusting letters. I tried not to get angry. After all, I was a young, ambitious and tough journalist, but I felt somewhere between disgusted, sad and angry that I had to endure so much sexism.
The men on the team were never in danger of such insults, but to be fair to them, they begged me to stop opening my stall. They would do it for me. I did not take them up on their offer. I might be a woman, but I did not need to be coddled.
Of course, there was never any evidence to indicate who the senders were. I don’t think it would have occurred to anyone to involve the police. It was harassment, but I don’t think anyone knew that word at the time.
Fortunately, as far as I know, there were no dangerous stalkers involved. Flowers would occasionally arrive, but there was no way to identify the sender either. I got used to the idea that my regular appearances in people’s living rooms could put me in danger. I always imagined things would get better, and indeed I campaigned vigorously to make it better for the women who followed in our footsteps. We worked to get the law to recognise the dangers of threats and stalkers, but the misogyny continues.
I have received more than one death threat online and we know that hatred of women and resentment at our apparent success are part of what some call “jokes”. There is Andrew Tate-style bar talk about the desire to subjugate women, even if it means violence.
It is depressing to read about the catalogue of abuses facing women today. Fern Britton was harassed for two years by a man who rented a cottage from her and sent her flowers and cards telling her to “take care of herself”. She was terrified and couldn’t sleep. Thank goodness for the anti-stalking law, which forbade him from approaching her.
It is the same law that saw former Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis’ stalker jailed for eight years. Meanwhile, TV presenter Louise Minchin received intimidating messages threatening to rape her daughter. The man in question had revealed her home address and even described the cars in her driveway. He was sent to prison for two years and eight months. There are many more who have suffered. Cathy Newman, Denise Welch and Channel 4’s Christine Lampard to name just three. They have all had the courage to use the law and bring the perpetrators to justice. It can’t be easy to confront a man you fear in court. But these dangerous and deluded men are being shown that their behaviour is not acceptable.
The stalker of former Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis has been jailed for eight years after a three-decade fixation with the journalist and breaching a banning order 20 times.
When I was younger, I foolishly believed that misogyny would diminish as men became accustomed to women in positions of power, or else realized that laws would put them at risk of being jailed if they misbehaved. I couldn’t have been more wrong, and I can only hope that the appearance of so many intelligent and powerful women in this year’s election coverage will have a positive impact.
Since I was a child, I have believed that women should have a place at the table. We make up more than half of the population. If we want to be recognised as a vital part of our society, we must be heard when it comes to formulating and analysing policies that affect us all. We must be there and participate.
If I had a daughter, I would tell her about the horrors that women like me have experienced and how we simply said, “No, we are not going to tolerate this. We will change the laws and we will protect ourselves.”
Running away in fear and humiliation is not an option. We must move forward. I respect all those brave women who fight for the right to be seen and heard without suffering abuse.
My dogs don’t need a groomer
My heart goes out to David Beckham’s daughter-in-law Nicola Peltz, whose dog Nala died suddenly after she went to the groomer.
The little Chihuahua was only nine years old and the breed tends to have a good life expectancy.
David Beckham’s daughter-in-law Nicola Peltz and her dog Nala, who died suddenly after being at the groomers.
One of them, Frieda, is 18 years old. I can’t imagine what could have happened at the hairdresser’s. Mine have never been there. They wash each other’s faces; from time to time I give them a good brushing and give them pedicures under protest. They don’t shower.
They would hate it and certainly wouldn’t go get it fixed, because they don’t really need it. Rest in peace, Nala.
It only took Saint Paul 900 years!
After 900 years of activity, girls will join the choir at St Paul’s Cathedral for the first time. Pictured are Lila and Lois, aged 11 and 10.
At last, girls will join the choir at St Paul’s Cathedral for the first time. It’s only been 900 years. Lila and Lois, pictured, will start on Sunday and are sure to sing as sweetly as any child. They are 11 and 10 and will outlast any of the boys. There is no danger of their beautiful voices breaking. A much more worthwhile investment.
Former British Museum director Sir Mark Jones believes visitors to Britain should be charged £20 to enter our cultural institutions. I agree: that’s what we pay if we go to Spain, Italy or Greece. Only we should have free entry to our own wonders.
This is where Garrick’s revolution ends
The Garrick Club has admitted its first two female members: Dame Judi Dench, 89, and Dame Sian Phillips, 91. Is it too cynical of me to wonder whether this is simply another way of keeping women out of the club? Picking out two who are too old and too wise to bother attending?
Dame Judi Dench, 89, is one of the first two female members admitted to the Garrick Club, which was previously only open to men.
Who would Jill Biden be right now? No doubt she is dying of embarrassment while her husband struggles to get his senses, but she is desperate to remain First Lady. No, Jill, ignore Tammy Wynette’s advice and don’t support your man. Tell him he is no longer fit to be president of such a vital democracy. Take him home to rest and give the chance to someone who can string a few words together.