| BBC Ignores Muslims concerns |
|
|
| Monday, 08 May 2006 | |
|
After MPACUK learnt of the proposed documentary on Interpal being researched and presented by John Ware, we emailed the BBC expressing our legitimate concerns about the choice of ‘journalist’. MPACUK are outraged that someone who is clearly Islamophobic and biased towards Israel, and who fails to live up to the high-quality objective journalism that we should expect from the BBC, has been chosen to produce a documentary on a Muslim Palestinian charity for this flagship BBC program. Surely a ‘journalist’ who is a renowned Zionist and Islamophobe cannot possibly live up to the Royal charter, by which the BBC are bound, which stipulates that all programme makers ensure accuracy and impartiality* in presentation of controversial subjects? How will allowing a notorious Islamophobe to pursue a witch-hunt against pro-Palestinian organisations help to fulfill the BBC’s commitment to contribute to "a more inclusive society"*? Is this what we pay our license fee for?We demanded that the BBC reconsider their choice of ‘journalist’…however, they seem to have chosen to ignore our concerns and are allowing Ware to continue with abusing his position within the BBC to pursue with his witch hunt against Muslims and pro-Palestinians. Read the response below:
Whilst MPACUK’s comments may have been “fully registered” what does this mean in real terms? It means that our concerns have not been taken seriously and that the BBC has chosen to ignore the Muslim Ummah! How can we sit by and allow this injustice to continue? Time and time again we have sat back and allowed the media to misrepresent or distort the truth. As Muslims it is our responsibility to defend one another and by allowing the BBC to issue replies as such proves that Muslims are not effectively countering media bias. If the BBC palms us off with a response as above then they obviously believe that the Muslims will not stand up and be counted. However, all is not lost! At the last MPACUK event Asad Ahmad (BBC London News anchor) informed MPACUK that if enough complaints are received then the BBC are obliged to investigate the matter further! This means that if enough complaints about the Panorama programme are received the BBC will be obliged to investigate the programme and substantiate a response. Whilst a glimmer of hope remains we must continue our unified battle to demand John Ware id not allowed to continue to abuse his position within the BBC for his Islamophobic witch hunt. It is the duty of all Muslims to work to protect one another and therefore it makes it a duty upon us all to work against the John Ware Panorama programme! For more information to see how YOU can make a difference, please see the following ALERT:
Alert: BBC's Panorama and John Ware to attack Muslims           Readers have left 4 comments.
S. Benari:
Quote
Rather than seeking to drive John Ware from the screens, it would be better to insist that the BBC allow an alternative view to be presented. If the BBC agrees to MPACUK's current demands it will simply be the opening by which others will demand the BBC apply censorship.
If Interpal's case is strong then there is nothing to fear. If Interpal's case is weak and John Ware has some valid points then we should all hear them and allow Interpal to respond. Having not seen this programme nor actual evidence that Mr. Ware's claims are fabrications, nor that his claims contravene UK legislation or the BBC charter I find it hard to understand why the BBC should accede to MCAPUK's demands. There are many programmes on radio and TV produced by the BBC that one group or another could find uncomfortable or threatening, but that is not a reason to withdraw the programme. I have heard things on BBC Women's Hour which as a man I find quite offensive / uncomfortable, but recognise that they are legitimate political opinion. Further Interpal has shown itself to be perfectly capable of using the legal system to defend itself. So why are we worrying about what Panorama might say, unless of course we know there is an element at least of truth in it and we do not wish to be challenged over it. If Interpal is channelling funds meant for civilians into the operational activities of the fighters I would like to know about it, and which faction it may be sending funds to.
(1)
2006-05-11 11:34:44
Does it really matter?:
Quote
These are difficult times for not only Muslims, but also everyone else in the world as well.
The War on Terror is yet another ideological cover for the Capitalist states to further their Neo-imperialist agendas. The result will be a clamp down on independent thought and free speech at home and perpetual war else were. The difference between the Muslims and non-Muslim citizens of these states is that the Muslims are being used to both justify Draconian type security measures at home, and to illustrate the need for a curb on free speech, while the non-Muslims are actually doing something about it. The release of the cartoons a while back was just a start, and this new BBC documentary is another covert attempt to provoke a Muslim reaction. Already Muslims are leading the way in a call for control on free speech. The religious hatred bill is sought after by almost all Muslims who have failed monumentally to understand the wider implications of such a bill. We need to stop focusing on only ourselves and start to take a look at the wider picture. This is how the powerful have always defeated their enemies and their people, divide and conquer. This is not a case of Muslims against non-Muslims; it is a case of the people against their government. Take a look and you will see that it is the non-Muslims who are leading the way in the fight for a more just world. I have been to many marches in the name of the Muslims, and they have been organized and attended by only non-Muslims. It is both amazing and upsetting to see that the few Muslims who turn up are the sisters, and it is not surprising seen as women are always the most open minded. We need to realize that we should be concerning ourselves with issues that effect everyone and not just ourselves. Global-warming, globalization, freedom of speech. I felt sick when I went down to the anti war protest in London a while back and struggled to find a Muslim face. I just hope I see more then a dozen at the Palestinian march, and that we wake up and realize that we share this planet with millions of other people, and what affects them, affects us.
(2)
2006-05-11 15:32:25
Ahmed:
Quote
we have to attack BBc credibility, by mocking them. we need STEPHEN COLBERT and JON STEWART who can make fun of them.
i have complained but no reply. start putting vedio clips on internet and see how quickly BBc will change. they know, they can ignore our emails and nothing will happens.
(3)
2006-05-11 18:56:32
Virtuoso:
Quote
Unfortunately, it looks like the response received is a standard, and most likely automated template, for any complaint emails sent regarding the Interpal programme.
(4)
2006-05-11 21:02:43
|
Search MPACUK.org
Latest Discussions
Recommended Books
