using controversial characters like BBC Asian Network presenter Sonia Deol and BBC Radio 4 "Thought for the Day" presenter Jeevan Singh Deol. Is it coincidence that both are "employees" of the BBC?
The BBC appears not to appreciate the extent of the problem as demonstrated by the official response to the many complaints about the Sonia Deol show. Frazer Steel, the Head of Programme Complaints in his 1,000+ worded response went into great length to explain why he is not upholding complaints received which suggested there had been lack of due care in the preparation of the programme, an inadequate reaction to the offending remarks, or an intention to provoke.
However, he devoted only one line in the summary to state: "the offence caused to religious feeling by the remarks themselves was clearly such that I must uphold that aspect of the complaints".
The BBC appears not to appreciate the extent of the problem as demonstrated by the official response to the many complaints about the Sonia Deol show. Frazer Steel, the Head of Programme Complaints in his 1,000+ worded response went into great length to explain why he is not upholding complaints received which suggested there had been lack of due care in the preparation of the programme, an inadequate reaction to the offending remarks, or an intention to provoke. However, he devoted only one line in the summary to state: "the offence caused to religious feeling by the remarks themselves was clearly such that I must uphold that aspect of the complaints".
The findings and conclusions after the investigation came as no surprise. The defensive response was expected. However, it has become clear the BBC Asian Network is failing the Sikh community if it is found to be broadcasting programmes causing offence to religious feelings.
The BBC appears not to have learnt a lesson from the Sonia Deol show. However, they are now aware that the British Sikh community will challenge it if it continues to fail to provide the level and quality of service expected of a public service body that has moral and social responsibilities.
The Sikh Federation (UK) has gone on record to say: "The BBC must change and be more responsive to the British Sikh community. We along with other prominent Sikh organisations are well aware that we can through our political contacts influence the government on whether the BBC should keep its licence fee after the corporation's current charter expires in 2006".
