|
BBC halts Kilroy for race ârantâ
The Kilroy programme will be taken off air immediately following comments made by Robert Kilroy-Silk in a newspaper article, the BBC has announced. The presenter branded Arabs "suicide bombers, limb amputators, women repressors" and asked what they had given to the world other than oil.Twas a fine rant, as I recall. The BBC stressed the comments did not reflect its views as a broadcaster. Of that we can be sure! It said the BBC One programme would be suspended from Monday while it investigated the matter fully. The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) described the piece written by the discussion show host in last weekâs Sunday Express as a "gratuitous anti-Arab rant". But of course they couldnât refute it. Mr Kilroy-Silkâs article included comments saying the toppling of despotic regimes in the Middle East should be a war aim, and questioned the contribution of the Arab nations to world welfare and civilisation. He said Arabs "murdered more than 3,000 civilians on 11 September" and then "danced in the streets" to celebrate. Thereâs video available on that one. Wonder if anyone in the BBC ever looked at it? Hours before the suspension was announced, Labour MP Lynne Jones urged the BBC to "consider the position" of Mr Kilroy-Silk, who is not a member of staff but works for the corporation on a freelance basis. She tabled a Commons motion denouncing his comments as "racist". Gallantly racing to the defense of her pet contributors. BBC media correspondent Torin Douglas said the issue was so serious the investigation was likely to be considered by the governors as well as senior managers and editorial policy. "Many people would see it very hard for him to continue with a programme that deals with current affairs matters having made such comments," he said. Yas, the old European approach: if we donât like what you say, weâll shut you down. Only last month the BBC tightened up guidelines regarding presenters writing for newspapers, particularly about current affairs or contentious issues. Wonder if that will change their leftie spew -- nah! Mr. Kilroyâs rant was a bit intemperate for the radio. Gutsy and with several large kernels of truth. He should come to America. Posted by: Steve White 2004-01-10 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=24076 |