London, UK - The Sikh Federation (UK) and Sikhs in the UK that have contacted the Federation for advice have strongly objected to the BBC making this programme as described above. There has been considerable correspondence with both David Lewis the Producer and David Ross the Editor in the last ten days.
The Federation has written to express its disappointment at the BBC decision to produce a programme about ‘Sikh extremism’ that ‘risks discrediting an important law-abiding faith and ethnic minority community and its members that have often in recent years been innocent victims of the changed circumstances since 9/11.’
The Federation has requested an explanation as to: ‘what recent specific events have led BBC Radio 4 to produce such a programme at this time about Sikhs and if the BBC is producing similar programmes examining militancy or criminal activity in other faith communities.’
The BBC has been told it is risking its impartiality if it is unwilling to cover known militant elements or criminal activities in other communities and its actions could be construed to represent institutional racism towards Sikhs who are not only a major faith group but also a recognised ethnic group protected by existing race laws.
The Sikh Federation (UK) and many others have therefore refused to co-operate in the making of this particular programme by giving any on-the-record interviews. However, we understand some Sikhs may have been misled by the reporter and given interviews that they have then tried to withdraw, while some others who have little experience in giving interviews or are seen as mavericks have seen this as an opportunity for some limelight without considering the wider implications for the reputation of the Sikh community.
The BBC has claimed to have come across disturbing evidence about UK-based Sikh groups. The Federation has suggested the BBC pass this information to the police so they can arrest, charge and prosecute those they think are participating in criminal activities. The police will be better able to separate sensational media reporting, based on rumours and hear say, from evidence that can be used to prosecute individuals that may be involved in criminal activities.
The Federation and others have said they will be closely examining the programme to see if it is fair and balanced and will not hesitate to take legal action if it is deemed the reporting is unfair, biased and produced with a lack of specific evidence. The Federation has also stated that vague phrases like 'supporters' cannot be used to lay allegations against UK-based Sikh groups or their members without evidence of the organisation being directly involved or condoning alleged criminal behaviour.
BBC Radio 4’s approach to the Sikh community and Sikh organisations is disappointing. Listen to the programme and if you find that the reporting is biased and based on unfounded/unverifiable allegations do not hesitate to complain to OFCOM as the BBC is required to comply with the Broadcasting Code. You can also complain directly to the BBC.
1) Make an immediate complaint after the programme is broadcast by ringing OFCOM on 020 7981 3040. You can also complain to the BBC by ringing 08700 100 222. Please encourage to ring. We need hundreds of people to ring immediately after the programme and keep this going for at least 24-48 hours.
2) Also for those of you with Internet access use the following link to make a written complaint to OFCOM www.ofcom.org.uk/complain/progs/specific/ . A written complaint can also be made to the BBC using the same link or www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/make_complaint_step1.shtml
Given what we already know about the programme you may be able to make the following key points to OFCOM and the BBC. Use some of the words in bold. The references in [brackets] are to the Broadcasting Code. The programme was:
Discriminatory
Inaccurate/Biased
[5.1 News, in whatever form, must be reported with due accuracy and presented with due impartiality]
Misleading
[2.2 Factual programmes or items or portrayals of factual matters must not materially mislead the audience]
Misrepresented views and facts
[5.7 Views and facts must not be misrepresented. Views must also be presented with due weight over appropriate timeframes]
[7.14 Broadcasters or programme makers should not normally obtain or seek information, audio, pictures or an agreement to contribute through misrepresentation or deception]
Unfair
[7.1 Broadcasters must avoid unjust or unfair treatment of individuals or organisations in programmes]
[7.9 Before broadcasting a factual programme, including programmes examining past events, broadcasters should take reasonable care to satisfy themselves that:
* material facts have not been presented, disregarded or omitted in a way that is unfair to an individual or organisation; and
* anyone whose omission could be unfair to an individual or organisation has been offered an opportunity to contribute.]
[7.11 If a programme alleges wrongdoing or incompetence or makes other significant allegations, those concerned should normally be given an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond]
[7.12 Where a person approached to contribute to a programme chooses to make no comment or refuses to appear in a broadcast, the broadcast should make clear that the individual concerned has chosen not to appear and should give their explanation if it would be unfair not to do so]
The following rule in the Broadcasting Code is also relevant:
[5.2 Significant mistakes in news should normally be acknowledged and corrected on air quickly. Corrections should be appropriately scheduled]
Freedom of expression is at the heart of any democratic state. However, with such rights come duties and responsibilities.
