A former BBC Radio Derby presenter has been embroiled in controversy after attempting to enlist a colleague into a cult that allegedly exploits its victims financially. Pam Sidhu, who left her evening show with the broadcaster in November 2023, was investigated for her connections to the contentious group EDUCO, established by self-styled self-help guru and entrepreneur Dr Tony Quinn in the 1990s.
Described as a “pseudo-religion” by the Sun newspaper on Saturday, January 18, EDUCO has faced allegations of coercive control and brainwashing. An insider disclosed to the Sun: “I’ve been trying to raise concerns about her for the last two years. Her and her husband were the Manchester recruiting team for EDUCO.”
The informant claimed to have initially reached out to several individuals at the BBC but was repeatedly “fobbed off”, reports Birmingham Live. The source added: “That’s when I escalated the complaint to the BBC and got a meeting with bosses.”
A purported victim recounted: “She made me talk to my brothers and some of my friends to join. She wanted me to become a recruiter. Every time they had a meeting, they would never call it EDUCO. They were very careful not to leave a trace.”
The individual also mentioned being instructed to avoid researching Tony Quinn online: “They specifically told us to not google Tony Quinn.” Reflecting on the experience, she said: “I was very delusional. I felt like he had something to offer to the world and he was special, because he was transferring this sort of energy onto other people.”
Sidhu, an “award winning presenter on BBC Radio Derby and Sabras Radio. Broadcaster, Host, Mindfulness Teacher, NLP” as per her Twitter or X account, announced her departure from the evening show at @bbcderby on November 4, 2023. She stated: “Its a wrap! ! After 2 years of covering the evening show at @bbcderby last night was my final evening show! From next week theres a new schedule and the evening show will now be regional. Its been a real honour and privilege to highlight local talent and give local people a voice”.