Further
BBC press statement on Kilroy/Sunday Express article
The BBC is currently considering the implications of an article
written by Robert Kilroy-Silk which was published in the Sunday
Express on 4 January 2004 and which has caused significant and serious
offence.
In view of some newspaper coverage we would like to make it clear
that the BBC defends and supports freedom of speech. This has never
been about freedom of speech. It is about how the job of a BBC presenter
carries with it responsibilities about what is written and said
publicly and how this may impact on their on-air role.
The
BBC needs to be seen to be impartial when dealing with topical and
controversial issues.
The
key focus for the BBC is, given the views he has stated, whether
Robert Kilroy-Silk can be seen as a suitable presenter of a daily
discussion programme dealing with a range of current and controversial
issues, with an audience from a wide cross-section of the public.
BBC
press statement on Kilroy/Sunday Express article (09.01.04)
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