D-G Davie: I hear there’s antisemitism among BBC staff
NewsInternal message from Tim Davie:
Dear all,
As we continue to cover events in the Middle East and their repercussions around the world, I, and all the Executive team, remain aware of how difficult and demanding this period has been for so many of you. We want to thank you all for your focus and hard work and also to reaffirm how important it is for each of us to hold true to our BBC values and continue to support each other.
I have talked in the past of the importance of kindness and treating those around us with consideration and respect. In these troubled times, it is more vital than ever that we act with empathy and humanity. Thank you to everyone who continues to offer support to all those working under increased pressure.
As an organisation, we must stand united against any form of abuse, prejudice or intolerance. As many of you may have seen, sadly in recent weeks we have been alerted to some antisemitic behaviour by people who worked with us. I want to be clear that there can be no place at the BBC for racist abuse of any kind, whether towards our Jewish colleagues or indeed colleagues from any background or belief. Any form of antisemitism, Islamophobia or racist abuse is abhorrent, and we will always act whenever it occurs. We must play our role to build understanding and tolerance.
When we come to work at the BBC, each of us brings our different experiences, beliefs and perspectives. This is our strength, and that diversity of views is critical to a creative organisation that serves the public. Together, we have an incredibly powerful opportunity and role to help bring people together at a time of polarisation and division.
If you have any concerns, about any form of abuse, I would ask you to speak up, either to your line manager or by using the support at work or whistleblowing services. The senior team and I are listening. We will continue to talk to a range of groups across the organisation as part of our shared commitment to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of background or belief.
The BBC is a precious institution which commands a unique place in the national conversation – and around the world. Your support in continually demonstrating our values is appreciated and critical to maintaining this position.
Best wishes,
Tim
For many years I subscribed to BBC Music Magazine and every once in a while detected somewhat anti-Semitic language. For instance, when reviewing a new recording the writer would identify a composer as Jewish, when there was clearly no need to do so. It happened often enough that it made an impression on me and this posting made me remember, after so many years.
It’s not clear to me that the language you refer to really is somewhat antisemitic – but I do see there is a possible issue here.
Well, if there is, Davie seems to be tackling it head-on.
But it’s perfectly okay in print and on the air, apparently, just not in the office.
Any reference to an artist’s religion or race is not necessary.Are there any catholic piano players? Or Salvation Army violinists? They are just Pianists or Violinists.
You’ve not read much commentary on Messiaen then, I take it? Or Bruckner, or Bach, or John Tavener, or James MacMillan, or Elgar…
Commentary on the relevance of composers’ national and religious background to their music is one thing. Knowing that Joseph Joachim was Jewish may (or may not) be relevant to his early mentoring by Felix Mendelssohn in Leipzig. Labeling him as a Jewish violinist is another matter.
Wikipedia entries for Jewish artists often mention that the artist is Jewish. Look, for example, at the entry for Arthur Benjamin. I agree that such reference is not necessary. But I don’t think that such reference is somewhat antisemitic. I’d be surprised if there are many complaints from Jews about the Wikipedia approach.
I’ve often seen reference to Gershwin as an American composer. Is that anti-Americanism ? To Rachmaninov as a Russian composer who settled in America. Is that anti-Russian, or anti-American ?
I would be interested to know if someone was a Salvation Army violinist, or a catholic piano player. Not so as to discriminate for or against them, but as an interesting bit of background about their life.
We seem to be becoming ever more tribal. So that even mention of our tribes is considered to be a sign of discrimination.
I’d be interested to know why the BBC fought tooth and nail to avoid publishing the Balen Report. It was paid for by licence fee holders, as were the legal costs involved in resisting publication.
Well Barry, the BBC believes in absolute transparency. In all matters that haven’t been censored.
A step in the right direction, but a limp one at best. This statement, provoked by blatant anti-Jewish activism (anti-Semitism is, sadly, too ambiguous for purpose), the BBC sees fit to include the aggressors in the list of potential victims. Appalling.
The BBC employs tens of thousands of staff across TV, radio, online. It’s inevitable that there will be the odd one or two with unsavoury views. I’m sure the same is true of the c.5,000 staff at dmg media which publishes the Daily Mail. Don’t use this email as the usual right-wing stick to beat the BBC.
I don’t have to pay for the Daily Mail to read other newspapers.
Can you not see the difference?
Typical gammon response. You don’t have to pay for the BBC to watch the vast majority of other media. The licence fee covers broadcasting infrastructure in the UK, hence why it’s needed to watch live TV but, let’s be honest, who actually does that anymore?! I don’t watch live TV or anything on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, etc. because none of them produce anything worth watching. It really is very simple, dear.
“Typical gammon response.”
No, it was a statement of fact. Sorry if that caused offence.
And many older people are not equipped to take advantage of other media, or are they also to be dismissed as “gammon”, in your rude, simplistic view?