Cloverjo - //I'm a bit confused about who said what to whom on this thread, but I don't think the BBC are patronising anyone by employing Sara Cox. She is an amusing and entertaining presenter, regardless of her accent. //
It's a personal bugbear of mine that I believe that the BBC does employ some presenters on the basis of their accents, in order to appeal to certain sections of its audience.
There is nothing inherently wrong with people enjoying hearing accents local to their area, or the BBC accommodating that desire, as a pubic service broadcaster.
My issue is that, in the case of individuals like Ms. Cox, her accent appears to be her only reason for employment, since she brings nothing else to the table in terms of wit, intelligence, or interest.