March 14, 2025
BY ESHERU KWEKU
James O'Brien Defends LBC's Dismissal of Sangita Myska
In April 2024, British broadcaster and journalist Sangita Myska conducted a notably intense interview with Israeli government spokesperson Avi Hyman on LBC Radio, challenging Israel's military actions in Gaza. Shortly thereafter, Sangita’s absence from the airwaves sparked widespread speculation regarding the reasons behind her departure. While some suggest her exit was due to declining listener numbers, others believe it was a consequence of her forthright journalism.
On April 15, 2024, Sangita questioned Hyman about Israel's airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria, highlighting the potential escalation of an already fragile situation. Hyman disputed her characterisation, leading to a tense exchange. Following this interview, Sangita was notably absent from her regular weekend slot, prompting listeners to question her sudden disappearance.
The mysterious disappearence of Sangita Myska resurfaced and reignited social media yesterday, almost one year after she vanished from the station. Amid the social media storm, BladeoftheSun tweeted:
The interview that got Sangita Myska fired.
— BladeoftheSun (@BladeoftheS) March 14, 2025
But don't repost it that would be antisemitism according to James O'Brien.pic.twitter.com/7lgWkjtbYn
LBC host James O'Brien addressed the ensuing speculation yesterday on air by attributing Sangita’s departure to declining audience figures, stating, "Unfortunately, like every other presenter on LBC, I stand and fall by my listening hours, by my ratings."
O’Brien’s comments came in response to a caller who claimed that Sangita’s dismissal from the station was due to Avi Hyman’s influence and coercion of media outlets to perpetuate pro-Israeli narratives. O’Brien quickly dismissed the caller’s comments as “palpably absurd.” He further stated, “the lies have been deliberately allowed to fester by somebody who can only answer for their own conduct.”
Supertanskiii took to X and tweeted:
Shameful. James is fails to disclose that employees likely have to sign NDAs at Global, therefore legally @SangitaMyska can’t voice her experience without a risk of legal ruin. Stats prove this wasn’t about viewing figures or conspiracy. I stand with her. pic.twitter.com/7TQbNoJbd6
— Supertanskiii (@supertanskiii) March 14, 2025
Figures from RAJAR - Radio Joint Audience Research, the official body responsible for measuring radio audiences in the United Kingdom, showed that less than two months earlier, there was a notable rise in Sangita’s listening audience.
However, critics argue that Sangita’s robust journalism, particularly her challenging of the Israeli spokesperson, may have led to her exit. An open letter signed by over 100 media professionals expressed "deep concern" over her sudden removal from the station, emphasising that "excellent journalists are at risk for simply doing their job and asking robust questions."
The lack of transparency surrounding Sangita’s departure led to significant listener backlash. A petition demanding her reinstatement garnered over 40,000 signatures, reflecting public unease about potential censorship.
This incident raises critical questions about press freedom and the challenges journalists face when holding powerful entities accountable. The situation underscores the delicate balance between editorial decisions and the imperative to support journalistic integrity.
While official statements cite declining listener numbers as the reason for Sangita Myska's departure from LBC, despite the recent rise in her listenership. The timing of her contentious interview with an Israeli spokesperson has fuelled alternative theories as to the reson for her dismissal. This episode highlights the complexities journalists navigate in delivering uncompromising reporting and prompts reflection on the factors influencing media personnel decisions.
