SEXISM is still rife in the TV industry, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) stated yesterday.

Female broadcasters were found to still be earning far less than males who were doing the same job. 

The research was commissioned by the House of Lords communication committee and showed that women were still being judged on their physical appearance.

Many were also victims of sexual harassment in the workplace.

“A man at exactly the same grade as me, with far less education and experience, and who joined the BBC after I did was paid £10,000 more than me”, said one of the NUJ members quizzed.

Almost half of those asked confirmed that motherhood caused conflict with managers unwilling to let them adapt to their new family life.

NUJ equality officer Lena Calvert said: “It is an appalling state of affairs that parts of the industry are still seen as a boys’ club where women find their promotion and progression blocked.”

The union is now calling for an industry-wide audit on diversity.