The Need for the BBC to Be a Stronger Anti-Racist Ally
As a black Englishman born and raised in Birmingham, I have always taken pride in my country and its institutions. Growing up, the BBC represented the best of British values?—?impartiality, integrity, and a commitment to serving all communities. However, recent events have shaken my faith and left me questioning whether the BBC truly stands with people like me in the face of racism.
The restrained way the BBC reported on the vile racist abuse directed at actress Francesca Amewudah-Rivers was deeply hurtful. Seeing such a talented young black woman face harassment simply for excelling in her field reopened old wounds. It brought back painful memories of the devastating impact similar attacks had on my friend and colleague Diane Abbott, the first black woman elected to Parliament.
The BBC’s failure to explicitly condemn the racism Francesca endured or express solidarity with her made me and many other black colleagues feel unseen, unvalued, and unprotected. We were left wondering how much more cruelty we must silently bear before our humanity is recognised and defended.
I acknowledge the progress the BBC has made in recent years to increase diversity and inclusion. Initiatives to recruit more talent from underrepresented backgrounds and tell a wider range of stories are steps in the right direction. However, inclusion means little if we are also not defended in moments of crisis.
As a public service broadcaster, the BBC has a moral duty that goes beyond impartiality. It must take an unequivocal stance against racist abuse, offer compassion to victims, and send an unambiguous message that bigotry has no place in British society. By responding to racism with clinical detachment, the BBC tacitly allows it to fester unchallenged.
This is not about demanding special treatment, but about recognising our shared humanity. Every racist incident takes a toll, battering the spirits of black Britons who want to feel that we belong and matter in the country we call home. As a software engineer, I may not be in front of a camera, but I still feel the impact when the BBC stays silent, as people who look like me are dehumanised.
The BBC’s hesitance to show moral clarity on racism has a chilling effect. It makes black BBC staff wonder if they will be supported when targeted. It makes black viewers feel the broadcaster meant to serve all Britons does not truly have their backs. It emboldens racists who take the BBC’s mealy-mouthed condemnations as proof that their hate is not so unacceptable after all.
I love the BBC and believe deeply in its mission. In previous jobs, I even signed the Official Secrets Act; such is my commitment to Britain. It is out of that love and respect that I am calling on the BBC to do better and be better when it comes to fighting racism.
Being an anti-racist ally means more than just increasing representation behind and in front of the camera?—?as important as that is. It means clearly and unequivocally using the BBC’s influential voice to condemn racist abuse whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head. It means reflecting our pain back to us with empathy and compassion. It means standing in unwavering solidarity with victims and making it crystal clear that they do not stand alone.
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Some may argue that the BBC must remain impartial and not express opinions on racism. But there can be no neutrality in the face of hate and dehumanisation. As recent events around the world have shown, silence is complicity. The BBC can maintain its journalistic integrity while still asserting the fundamental equality and dignity of all people.
Others may dismiss my concerns, saying I should be grateful the BBC has made as much progress as it has. But aspiring to an equal and just society is not a favour to black Britons?—?it is the bare minimum of what we should expect from an institution that claims to serve us all. Asking the BBC to do more to stand against racism is not causing trouble, but calling it to live up to its highest ideals.
As a black Englishman, I am so proud of my country and all that it stands for. The BBC is an integral part of the Britain I love and has shaped my life and career in profound ways. That is why it pains me so deeply when this cherished institution falls short of defending people like me from racist cruelty and letting us know we are seen, valued, and supported.
By finding the courage to be a true anti-racist ally, the BBC can powerfully declare that racism has no place in British life. It can become a beacon of hope and solidarity for black staff and viewers who have too often been let down when it mattered most. Doing so can help build a society where all Britons, regardless of race or background, feel cherished and defended.
The time for tiptoeing around racism is over. We need the BBC to be bold and unwavering in asserting our fundamental right to dignity, equality, and belonging. We are watching closely, hoping that our national broadcaster will find the empathy and conviction to stand unequivocally on the side of justice. The BBC has an opportunity to lead the way in building an anti-racist Britain of which we can all be proud. I pray it will rise to the challenge.
This is frightening; see https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68739588