"Quota for women the only way to achieve equality," says Alice Arnold The broadcasters welcomed a promise from Tony Hall, the BBC's Director General, that by the end of 2014 the corporation would aim to have a women presenting 50 per cent of breakfast shows on local radio. Without a directive of a quota from above, the figure of 50 per cent will simply never be achieved. Not because there are not good women out there, there are plenty, but they have to be sought out and given the opportunity," Miss Arnold said. Women broadcasters are as good as male broadcasters. This is a fact. But we are fighting a history of sexism in broadcasting and in life that has gone on ever since the transistor radio took pride of place in the parlour. She said that many of the male voices on the radio were an "assault on the ears." Lord Hall made the commitment at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, recognising the BBC should be more reflective of their audiences. The plans are for half of the breakfast shows to feature a woman presenter either in a solo capacity or as part of a team. Miss Arnold, who left the BBC last December after more than 20 years, added: "He hasn't said what the sanction would be, if any, should this quota not be achieved - but the aim is there in black and white."