Fury Over Antisemitism in the BBC

In a letter written early in June, more than 200 Jewish people in the BBC and broadcasting industry complained to the BBC Board about perceived bias and antisemitism. In response, the chairman of the Board, Samir Shah, says he is happy that staff have an ‘inclusive’ environment and has declined the request for an investigation.

Current and former members of staff are said to have been corresponding with BBC managers for nearly two months on this subject, presenting multiple allegations of antisemitism.

Indeed, back in February a row broke out over a BBC scheduler who made racist comments on social media, and concerns were raised then about a culture of bias and antisemitism within the organisation. One employee described it as,

“A grim and frightening time to work at the BBC.”

Since Samir Shah’s refusal to start an investigation, some of signatories to the June letter have described the approach within the BBC as one of silence and “groupthink” – similar to the way concerns about Huw Edwards and Strictly Come Dancing were ignored.

Former Panorama producer Neil Grant said,

“Simply, Jews don’t count inside the BBC.
When we present compelling evidence of the BBC’s institutionalised antisemitism,
signed by over 200 colleagues, we expect to be listened to and not gaslit,
especially by the BBC Board who won’t even formally discuss our concerns.”

Perhaps the BBC should pay more attention to these complaints, before it loses another two million payers of the TV licence fee.