BBC slammed over Muslim 'gimmick'
A SENIOR Assembly member has slammed the BBC for appointing a Muslim as head of its religious programming.
Ulster Unionist the Rev Robert Coulter hit out after it was announced the post had gone to Channel 4 executive Aaqil Ahmed.
Mr Ahmed is the first Muslim to occupy the post in the BBC's 87-year history, and the second non-Christian to be given the job.
The UUP North Antrim MLA and Assembly Commissioner said: "It beggars belief that the BBC would stoop so low as to employ a Muslim head of religious programming.
"The chief Christian religious leaders of this country have already condemned the decision.
"Yet the BBC has completely ignored the fact that most people are Christian – you only have to look at the world's statistics to see that. This is either a gimmick or stupid beyond belief.
"There are now serious questions to be asked about the BBC's commitment to representing and supporting the majority of people."
When asked if he thought Mr Ahmed's appointment could help broaden people's appreciation of different cultures, he said: "No – a Christian would never have been appointed head of religious programming in a Muslim country."
Christian leaders have already spoken of their dismay at the departure from broadcasting tradition.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, was reported to have raised concerns with BBC director that the "Christian voice is being sidelined" after Mr Ahmed was first connected to the role last month.
A spokeswoman for the Archbishop declined to comment after the appointment was confirmed.
A BBC spokesman said the corporation appointed individuals "on the basis of talent and suitability to the role, regardless of their faith or background".
Last year the BBC gave the job of producing its most popular and long-running religious programme, Songs of Praise, to a Sikh, Tommy Nagra.
The Church of England points out that 70 per cent of the population of Britain professes to be Christian, but only three per cent are Muslims.
But an official spokesman for the Church of England said: "We will judge the new man by his output rather than his label."
Christina Rees, a member of the Church's 'Cabinet', the Archbishops' Council, said: "Aaqil Ahmed is a respected professional who has an established record of producing programmes on religion and ethics.
"It is important that the Christian faith continues to receive coverage that accurately reflects its significance in the lives of most people who live in Britain, the overwhelming majority of whom regard themselves as Christian."
The choice of Mr Ahmed was made by George Entwistle, who is in charge of factual programming.
A BBC spokesman declined to say whether Mr Thompson – a practicing Roman Catholic – was consulted on the appointment.
However, the Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, has said: "Aaqil Ahmed comes to the post with a good reputation.
"At a time when the BBC's coverage of religion caused some disquiet, the Church of England will be watching how the future of religion and ethics develops."
Mr Ahmed is currently commissioning editor for religion and multicultural programmes at Channel 4.
He has been in Northern Ireland several times and commissioned several documentaries from production companies based here.
Mr Ahmed's appointment follows a reorganisation of the BBC religious broadcasting department and his title will be head of religion and ethics and commissioning editor for religion TV.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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