The decision for BBC Radio 1 to hire Sophie Habboo has massively divided the internet, with some excited for an extended version of her podcast, and others infuriated that she’s had yet another opportunity handed to her. Unglossed breaks down what this decision reflects about the presenting industry.
Today, Sophie Habboo has been announced as the BBC Radio 1 drive time co- host with her husband Jamie Laing, as maternity cover for Vic Hope. And as a journalist, this is devastating. By no means is this me blaming her, her podcast is great, I love her social media and I understand that having a couple hosts together will mean for automatic chemistry. Likewise, I recognise that radio numbers are on the downfall across the board, so for sure a big booking like Sophie is a quick fix to increase listenership.
But wouldn’t this be an amazing opportunity to cultivate new talent and give these opportunities to new voices? To say that Sophie got the role because she’s Jamie’s husband feels unfair, but you can’t help but wonder…
And then there is GK Barry, who has been given the weekend afternoon slots for July. She already has a podcast, a hugely successful Tiktok and even a slot on Loose Women. Does she really need a radio gig? Those few weeks would’ve been such a great opportunity for someone fresh out of uni, who has trained in broadcasting or done an apprenticeship, and is desperately trying to get a foot in the door. We all know how much graduates in general are struggling, never mind those entering creative industries.
In all honesty, it’s making me wonder where we are at in terms of meritocracy, because similar to when we see nepo babies on the front page of Vogue, it feels like talent and hard work aren’t paying off any more. I remember listening to Maya Jama on BBC radio 1 and her advice for aspiring radio hosts was “Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard.” But how relevant can that really be if the next in line is an already famous influencer?
BBC veterans Scott Mills and Greg James worked their way up, from hospital radio to random slots and eventually to the ultimate goal of that stunning breakfast slot. And there’s something inspiring about that, especially for young people aspiring to break into the industry.
There’s a parallel with this happening in other creative industries too. Addison Rae and Noah Beck have been criticised for taking new roles from other young actors. And, that wouldn’t be so bad if their performances weren’t unfortunately really cringey and forced. And I understand that having a relevant name attached to a project can do wonders, but I’m not sure that’s where we want to be heading. Otherwise famous, busy people will continue getting busier, and upcoming creators will be what? Jobless?
My sister Saskia is studying TV and radio at Salford University, she said “It’s so frustrating because lots of people getting these roles have never been represented as people who have any real interest in music or news.”
Likewise there are things which celebrities cross- playing as broadcasters simply don’t know how to do. The amount of times I’ve been listening to a podcast, and heard an interviewee say something really interesting or reveal something about themselves, but then the host just doesn’t ask them a follow up- missing the opportunity to explore something exclusive and different. It’s infuriating.
It feels like now, if you want a chance to access the industry, you would be better off going on The Traitors, Love Island or focusing on your influencer grind. What’s even the point of doing a long (and expensive) degree, if some funny reality TV show star is going to swoop into the role before you even get a chance to submit your CV?
