Originally Posted by Stuart C

The problem for Five is simple. If they suffer problems, advertisers may back away from the channel (nothing scares advertisers away like even the slightest whiff of bad publicity). This isn't a problem with the Beeb (thanks to the licence, they have a guaranteed income), but for any commercial channel, it can be fatal. This may be why they are being a little more cautious than the beeb were.

Now, I don't personally see why they should have problems, but then I have a simple view of which people are suitable for a job. Assuming they are capable of doing a job (or learning how to do it), they should be given the chance to do it regardless of race, sexuality, gender, disfigurement or any disability. I try to see the person and not their race, sexuality, gender, disfigurement or disability..