Many of the earlier generations of women working at senior levels in the BBC were often tough, as they probably had to be within the mainly male environment. Jana Bennett was completely different, operating with human warmth and kindness.
When I lost my job as head of community and disability programmes in 1998, it was Jana who set about finding a new role for me. Knowing I was on the verge of quitting, she offered me a succession of posts, all of which I turned down, still furious at the way I had been treated. It was Jana’s sixth and final offer that did the trick.
I was touched that Jana had gone to such lengths to help. She conveyed the impression that she regarded me highly, and that the BBC did so too, for which I will always feel affectionate gratitude.
