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| Britain |
| British Muslim chosen as BBCŽs head of religion |
| 2009-05-13 |
| [Al Arabiya Latest] The BBC broke with decades of tradition Tuesday and appointed its first ever Muslim to head the country's religious programming, a move that has irked several right-wing media outlets and Christian groups, who say Christian views are being sidelined in the United Kingdom. Aaqil Ahmed will join the state-funded broadcaster in July to take up a new joint role as Head of Religion and Ethics and Commissioning Editor for Religion TV, the BBC announced, making Ahmed's appointment the second time in its 87-year history a non-Christian has taken the role. Ahmed's appointment has been seen as controversial by several right-wing media outlets with top newspapers, such as the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail, publishing pieces implying he was unfit for the position based on his background and saying he was picked because he was of a "minority faith." The BBC, however, maintained that "Aaqil was picked simply because he was the best candidate for the role," a BBC spokeswoman told Al Arabiya. "We've always said it is BBC policy to recruit on the basis of experience and suitability for the role; not on the basis of faith." Christian lobby group Christian Concern For Our Nation, however, called on its members to write to the BBC objecting to Ahmed's appointment on grounds that he was Muslim, the U.K.-based Asians in Media magazine reported. But according to the BBC spokeswoman: "So far the feedback on the appointment has been very balanced." With regards to the Jewish community's stance, the president of the Commonwealth Jewish Council, Lord Janner of Braunstone, told Al Arabiya: "It is positive that a Muslim has been appointed to head BBC Religion. I greatly hope that he will succeed in the role, and have excellent relationships with all faith communities." |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #4 "The British don't live here anymore" - David Price Jones. |
| Posted by: g(r)omgoru 2009-05-13 12:42 |
| #3 From da BBC... The BBC's appointment of a Muslim as head of religion and ethics is insulting to Christians, an Ulster Unionist assembly member has said. Retired Presbyterian minister Dr Robert Coulter said the appointment of Aaqil Ahmed was "a juvenile gimmick". "According to the Church of England 70% of the UK are Christian, 3% are Muslim yet the BBC for its head of religious broadcast appoints a Muslim," he said. Religious commentator Clifford Longley said the complaints were "spurious". Spurious, I tells ya! "The purpose of the BBC's religious broadcasting department is not to propagandise on behalf of any particular religion - the implication of this complaint is that it is," he said. Geez, ya ever wonder why that is, guvnah? "It seems to me that no denomination or faith can claim to own a position like that, which must be filled on its merits." ...and a certain denomination or faith won't be threatening to cut my head off, I can tell you that! Dr Coulter said he believed many Muslims would agree with his criticism. "I am sure moderate Muslim leaders will be deeply concerned about this as well, because it will make many UK citizens feel that they are gaining too much influence - for a faith that represents such a small percentage of the whole community. It could well lead to many people developing a more hostile attitude to Muslims." Later a UUP spokesman clarified that Dr Coulter's view were not party policy. "The UUP is a party open to people of all faiths and none. We are party that firmly believes in equality of opportunity and a party which celebrates the diversity of the modern United Kingdom," he said. "In a free and open society, there cannot be religious tests to hold position in public bodies. This includes the BBC. Staff should be recruited solely on merit." Mr Ahmed has been appointed to the new joint role of Head of Religion and Ethics and Commissioning Editor for Religion TV. He is currently commissioning editor for religion and multicultural at Channel 4. In March, the Archbishop of Canterbury urged the BBC not to neglect Christians in its religious programming. Dr Rowan Williams voiced his concern to the corporation's director general Mark Thompson in a private meeting at Lambeth Palace. Jeez, when even Doc Druid can see it, I mean, really... |
| Posted by: tu3031 2009-05-13 12:30 |
| #2 Sigh. |
| Posted by: Redneck Jim 2009-05-13 11:52 |
| #1 He beat out a Methodist. Everyone knows Islam is the RoP, whereas those damn Methodists always going around wanting to kill non-Methodists, stone women, etc. Can't have that. |
| Posted by: Zorba 2009-05-13 11:50 |