Thread: BBC Madness
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Old 10-04-06, 08:14 AM   #11
Konovalov
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From my reading of the Daily Mail article it appears that the BBC were internally debating wheather any of it's newsreaders should have the right to wear religious symbols be it a crucifix a headscarf or any other religious or politcal symbol. I can't see any indication in the article that this is as a result of the BBC bowing down to Muslim anger or pressure. As the article highlights:

Quote:
The BBC was debating whether a female Muslim newsreader should be allowed to wear a headscarf while reading the news when the issue over Ms Bruce's cross was brought up.
The news article continues with:


Quote:
A source who attended the meeting said: "It was argued that BBC staff on screen should not wear anything which hints or directly points to a political or religious leaning and that the cross contravened this and should not be allowed."

Stephen Whittle, a former controller of editorial policy at the BBC said that the fact that Fiona Bruce had worn a cross while reading the news was a mistake.
"A newsreader should not let themselves get in the way of a story by wearing things that make the audience wonder about the newsreader's own position on a story," said Whittle.

It is understood, however, that Ms Bruce has not been asked to remove the necklace, and that the BBC does not have any official guidelines on the wearing of religious symbols.
Again, I can't see anything in the article to suggest that there has been a Muslim uproar or a raft of complaints into the BBC from British Muslims. And for the record I don't agree with the BBC if it did change it's policy to one where by it's newsreaders could not appear wearing an item of jewellery or clothing such as a crucifix or headscarfe. I would have hoped that BBC management had better and more important things to deal with at the Beeb.
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