By Lucy Caulkett-
Press Regulator, Ipso has dismissed 17 complaints from.the public about Channel 4’s decision to allow a Muslim reporter to present the coverage of the terrorist Nice truck attack in France.
The former Sun editor, Kevin Mackemzie was critical about Channel 4’s decision to use Farina Manji to present news of the terror attack.
In his column, MacKenzie asked:
“was it appropriate for her to be on camera when there had yet been another shocking slaughter by a Muslim?”
“Was it done to stick one in the eye of the ordinary viewer who looks at the Hi-jab as a sign of the slavery of women by a male dominated and clearly violent religion “?
BOOKED
Channel 4 claims Manji was already booked to present the news that particular day, though they would say so, wouldn’t they? It us doubtful the broadcasters were asked to prove this point.
MacKenzie‘s query was not islamophobic in.any way, it was simply critical of channel 4′ using a woman whose dress code symbolizes dominant Islam to present a a callous act of.murder by Muslim extremists.
MEASURED
Over 800 people complained about the article by The Sun, but Ipso’s response was right and measured. A spokesman for the independent Press Standards Organization said :
“We won’t be taking the matter forward for investigation. The selection of a presenter is an editorial matter for investigation.
The selection of a presenter is an editorial matter for the broadcaster, and the way in which the presenter chose to dress in this case did not raise any issues under our rules”.
The ofcom regulators did not address the 800 complaints against The Sun column, though their response impliedly rejected the protest made by Mr. MacKenzie.
The truth is that both opposing complaints are understandable.
Channel 4 has a right to use whatever presenter it chooses. MacKenzie too and the other 17 complainants had every right to wonder if the broadcaster had been insensitive in their decision to use a Muslim woman with a Hi-jab to present such heart rendering news.
Considering the crime was committed by extremists who purport to be Muslims, it is easy to see why many would resent the idea of using Farina Manji to report it. Ipso‘s response was simple and straightforward.