'Intellectual' host sacked

A radio presenter accused the BBC of failing to take black issues seriously yesterday after he was sacked for being 'too intellectual'.

Oxford graduate Henry Bonsu, who hosted a Sunday night discussion show on BBC London, was told he did not fit in with the station's tone.

Station director David Robey said: 'I feel Henry's approach has been too intellectual, not quite colloquial enough.'

But Mr Bonsu said: 'I won't go gently into that good night - the desire for a talk radio station specialising in black issues is very strong. Since my show was axed, I've had e-mails from doctors and lawyers, all asking what they can do to help.'

He added: 'There's the Asian Network for the Asian community but there's nothing for black people who want to listen to talk radio that examines the issues affecting them.'

The 32-year-old, who worked for BBC London for four years, said he was considering launching a station to fill the gap in the market.

BBC London's presenters include Vanessa Feltz and Danny Baker.