BBC investigates 'anti-Muslim bias' - on its own Asian network

Daily Mail ^ | 19th July 2008 | James Tapper

[forkinsocket]

The BBC has launched an investigation after complaints from staff of anti-Muslim discrimination by a ‘mafia of executives’ at the Corporation’s own Asian radio station.

At least 20 past and present BBC employees, all Asian Muslims, have lodged complaints that its digital radio station, Asian Network, is operating with an anti-Muslim policy.

They claim Muslim presenters and reporters are sidelined or sacked from the station, which began 12 years ago, in favour of Asians from other backgrounds – mainly Hindus and Sikhs.

They also complain that attempts to persuade the station’s upper ranks to play Pakistani or Bengali music for its 500,000 listeners are ignored in favour of a strict diet of Bollywood and bhangra tunes, which are more popular among the Hindu and Sikh communities.

Their case has been taken up by Labour peer Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, who campaigns on discrimination issues.

He wrote to BBC director-general Mark Thompson last month.

He had originally raised the issue with former director-general John Birt, now Lord Birt, more than ten years ago.

Now the BBC has taken the unusual step of having the inquiry conducted by an external expert, Stephen Whittle, chairman of the Ofcom-linked Broadcast Training & Skills Regulator.

[forkinsocket]

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[353FMG]

BBC putting on the Muslim prescribed kneepads again?

[dennisw]

I sure hope this is true. No one likes that Muslim cultural crap but everyone likes Bollywood

[lookout88]

Uk should just give up soon. Sharia law is in their future.

[Tzimisce]

It really doesn’t take much to offend Muslims anymore.

Thanks for bending over and the grabbing the ankles for every tiny Muslim complaint lefties...