Post by Teddy Bear on Aug 4, 2009 17:54:47 GMT
A BBC spokeswoman said: 'The BBC has guidelines to ensure our reputation for impartiality is protected. That is paramount.'
So what do the BBC intend doing when they say something like this? Will they end the cronyism that has been going on, or do they intend to redress the rampant bias that is endemic to this crooked corporation and 'go straight'?
No such luck, instead they look to end something that could not benefit them in any way, even if it benefits others, the patronage of their newsreader George Alagiah for the charity Fairtrade. Never mind that it might actually improve the perceptions that the public has for the BBC by leaving him in that role.
How low will the BBC continue to sink? My guess is there is no depth to which they will not stoop.
What Scum Sucking Lowlives!
So what do the BBC intend doing when they say something like this? Will they end the cronyism that has been going on, or do they intend to redress the rampant bias that is endemic to this crooked corporation and 'go straight'?
No such luck, instead they look to end something that could not benefit them in any way, even if it benefits others, the patronage of their newsreader George Alagiah for the charity Fairtrade. Never mind that it might actually improve the perceptions that the public has for the BBC by leaving him in that role.
How low will the BBC continue to sink? My guess is there is no depth to which they will not stoop.
What Scum Sucking Lowlives!
BBC orders newsreader George Alagiah to step down as charity patron
By Daily Mail Reporter
BBC newsreader George Alagiah told today of his frustration at corporation bosses who have ordered him to step down as patron of a leading charity.
Alagiah was forced to quit his unpaid position with the Fairtrade Foundation after seven years — even though the BBC never received 'a single complaint' about his charity work.
It is understood the BBC feared Alagiah’s role with the charity — which supports farmers and workers in the developing world — breached impartiality rules. The charity has never received a formal explanation for the decision.
Alagiah, presenter of the Six O’Clock news, told the London Evening Standard: 'I was not happy about having to relinquish the patronship because there had not been a single complaint in seven years.
'I tried hard to persuade my colleagues that what I had done for seven years had not brought the BBC into disrepute. I failed in that argument.'
The Fairtrade Foundation helps to promote Fairtrade products sold in Britain and has seen sales of ethically produced goods such as tea, coffee and bananas boom in recent years.
That in part has been due to behind-the-scenes efforts of Alagiah and his wife Frances, a senior fundraiser with the charity. Alagiah, speaking at his north London home, said today: 'I am passionate about Fairtrade. I am passionate about the farmers.'
The dispute is understood to have rumbled on for several months before the presenter finally resigned.
A Fairtrade cotton picker sources material for ethical clotheswear
He said today he was particularly surprised as he went through all the correct procedures when he first took up the position.
He said: 'I did what I had to do. I told the BBC authorities and they signed it off. (Now) the reason being given is Fairtrade is somehow controversial and represents a conflict of interests. I don’t think the BBC is against me being a supporter in my private life.'
Supporters of the Fairtrade Foundation were told of the decision in an open letter written by Alagiah and published in the charity’s magazine.
'In the many years that I have been your patron there has not been a single complaint (that I am aware of) to the BBC so you can imagine how taken aback I was by the decision.'
The move has angered Fairtrade supporters including Sainsbury’s — the first supermarket to stock Fairtrade produce. Its chief executive Justin King said: 'I was perplexed to hear that the BBC has required George Alagiah to step down from his role as patron of the Fairtrade Foundation.” He called on the BBC to reconsider its decision.
Eileen Maybin, the Fairtrade Foundation’s spokeswoman, said: 'George will be very difficult to replace. He has been amazingly helpful.'
A BBC spokeswoman said: 'The BBC has guidelines to ensure our reputation for impartiality is protected. That is paramount.'
A corporation source suggested the decision was influenced by a BBC2 series about food which Alagiah is due to present.
The move comes amid a row over an alleged conflict of interest engulfing controller of BBC1 Jay Hunt. Ms Hunt is company secretary of a firm run by her husband, which earns substantial sums training BBC staff.
The Fairtrade Foundation will now look for a new patron. High-profile supporters of Fairtrade include comedian Harry Hill, Olympic champion Sir Steve Redgrave and presenter Gail Porter.
Emma Watson, star of the Harry Potter films, is also a fan and wants to design ethical clothing.
By Daily Mail Reporter
BBC newsreader George Alagiah told today of his frustration at corporation bosses who have ordered him to step down as patron of a leading charity.
Alagiah was forced to quit his unpaid position with the Fairtrade Foundation after seven years — even though the BBC never received 'a single complaint' about his charity work.
It is understood the BBC feared Alagiah’s role with the charity — which supports farmers and workers in the developing world — breached impartiality rules. The charity has never received a formal explanation for the decision.
Alagiah, presenter of the Six O’Clock news, told the London Evening Standard: 'I was not happy about having to relinquish the patronship because there had not been a single complaint in seven years.
'I tried hard to persuade my colleagues that what I had done for seven years had not brought the BBC into disrepute. I failed in that argument.'
The Fairtrade Foundation helps to promote Fairtrade products sold in Britain and has seen sales of ethically produced goods such as tea, coffee and bananas boom in recent years.
That in part has been due to behind-the-scenes efforts of Alagiah and his wife Frances, a senior fundraiser with the charity. Alagiah, speaking at his north London home, said today: 'I am passionate about Fairtrade. I am passionate about the farmers.'
The dispute is understood to have rumbled on for several months before the presenter finally resigned.
A Fairtrade cotton picker sources material for ethical clotheswear
He said today he was particularly surprised as he went through all the correct procedures when he first took up the position.
He said: 'I did what I had to do. I told the BBC authorities and they signed it off. (Now) the reason being given is Fairtrade is somehow controversial and represents a conflict of interests. I don’t think the BBC is against me being a supporter in my private life.'
Supporters of the Fairtrade Foundation were told of the decision in an open letter written by Alagiah and published in the charity’s magazine.
'In the many years that I have been your patron there has not been a single complaint (that I am aware of) to the BBC so you can imagine how taken aback I was by the decision.'
The move has angered Fairtrade supporters including Sainsbury’s — the first supermarket to stock Fairtrade produce. Its chief executive Justin King said: 'I was perplexed to hear that the BBC has required George Alagiah to step down from his role as patron of the Fairtrade Foundation.” He called on the BBC to reconsider its decision.
Eileen Maybin, the Fairtrade Foundation’s spokeswoman, said: 'George will be very difficult to replace. He has been amazingly helpful.'
A BBC spokeswoman said: 'The BBC has guidelines to ensure our reputation for impartiality is protected. That is paramount.'
A corporation source suggested the decision was influenced by a BBC2 series about food which Alagiah is due to present.
The move comes amid a row over an alleged conflict of interest engulfing controller of BBC1 Jay Hunt. Ms Hunt is company secretary of a firm run by her husband, which earns substantial sums training BBC staff.
The Fairtrade Foundation will now look for a new patron. High-profile supporters of Fairtrade include comedian Harry Hill, Olympic champion Sir Steve Redgrave and presenter Gail Porter.
Emma Watson, star of the Harry Potter films, is also a fan and wants to design ethical clothing.