Der Komiker Robin Ince tritt als Moderator der BBC-Sendung „Infinite Monkey Cage“ zurück | Radio 4
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/dec/13/comedian-robin-ince-quits-as-host-of-bbcs-infinite-monkey-cage?CMP=bsky_gu
Von Happytallperson
Der Komiker Robin Ince tritt als Moderator der BBC-Sendung „Infinite Monkey Cage“ zurück | Radio 4
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/dec/13/comedian-robin-ince-quits-as-host-of-bbcs-infinite-monkey-cage?CMP=bsky_gu
Von Happytallperson
15 Kommentare
So, years of people screaming about ‚cancel culture‘ cumilnates in the BBC forcing someone to resign because they said you shouldn’t be a dick to trans people.
Btw, the Equality Act public sector equality duty requires the BBC to promote equality. No space for Robin Ince saying ‚trans people are human‘ off air, but space for Justin Webb to be openly transphobic on air.
Can’t wait for the Free Speech Union to weigh in on this….any second now….surely….
„… numerous other outlandish opinions, including once gently criticising Stephen Fry“
That would be what did it.
One day we will look back on this time, like we look back on the Section 28 days
It’s no real surprise that one of the few vocal trans supporters at the BBC feels the need to leave,[ this has been going on for years.](https://www.vice.com/en/article/lgbtq-employees-are-quitting-the-bbc-because-they-say-its-transphobic/)
And yet people like Sharron Davies still have positions at the BBC. And people will continue to claim that the BBC has a pro-trans bias.
Probably doesn’t help that Brian Cox wife is on the Sex Matters advisory board.
Deep respect for him. Met him at a signing for his recent book about neurodiversity at my local library and he was a really lovely man.
What a shame. The Infinite Monkey Cage is a niche show with an enthusiastic listener base, including me. For people who enjoy intelligent conversation while having a laugh, there are few shows like it. The BBC’s impartiality rules are so inconsistently applied.
It’s hard to know the future of the show now. Will they replace Ince? If they do, you can practically guarantee it’ll be someone like Dara Ó Briain, whom I have nothing against, but he’s the sort of guy you get if you want someone who can do comedy, but is also well-versed enough in science to anchor a show about it. It just gets boring having the same handful of people on all the shows, which is what has been happening for years.
I’m not familiar with what was said or the politics around this but it’s just a podcast, would they not just relaunch the show under a different name away from the Beeb? Or is Cox just not willing to support him?
Good on him, shame on the BBC. How have they got to the point that they won’t let their presenters show empathy for trans people, yet let Farage et al spout their lies and propaganda unchallenged.
the BBC is toxic, speaking up for a minority is punished, whilst right wing views are promoted for the sake of „balance“
Over the last 10 years, my respect for the BBC and the monarchy has diminished solely due to their own decisions and actions.
It’s so sad that once world leading institutions that defined the UK on the world stage have come to this.
Good on you, Robin, for standing up for your own convictions.
Problematic views…that old excuse.
I’ve no problem with trans, treat people how you wish to be treated especially for this issue where there isn’t any straight forward answer.
It’s weird how the trans argument is more aggressive with the youth vs the opposing side are older (though not strictly exclusive) with both sides having their own champions and grifters.
I don’t know the answer (clearly) but is sacking/forcing resignations because you don’t agree to the latest social message, surely an organisation built on being neutral and probably annoying both sides equally, should be able to coexist with their employees own views as long as it doesn’t affect their ability to do their job?
Might be churlish to point out that Mr Ince had no issue slating Ricky Gervais when it suited him and further his career.
Wow…accept all cookies or reject all and subscribe. Nice, Guardian, nice.
Nice one, will start listening to it now if it continues
„I love this show and I love the audience, and it is because of the audience in particular that this decision was so difficult to make. I kept thinking about all the extremist voices promoting hate and division.
“They are being given so many platforms, while voices that represent kindness, open mindedness [and] empathy seem to be scarcer and scarcer. I felt I couldn’t pamper myself with the luxury of silence.”
Robin Ince is an incredibly good egg. Shame he had to step down.