We have a big and diverse operation in India and we must continue our important work, says director-general Tim Davie in an internal email BBC director-general Tim Davie gave a pep talk to his staff in India on Friday and his \u201cinternal email\u201d to them contained quite a defiant message.<\/p>\n
Davie, who has received angry letters from Narendra Modi\u2019s supporters in Britain, emphasized: \u201cNothing is more important than our ability to report without fear or favor.<\/p>\n
Our duty to our audiences around the world is to pursue the facts through independent and impartial journalism and to produce and distribute the very best creative content. We won\u2019t be put off from that task.\u201dHe said: \u201cWe have a big and diverse operation in India and whether you work in the public service or commercial parts of the BBC, we must continue our important work.\u201d<\/p>\n
He did not refer specifically to the two-part documentary, India: The Modi Question, which has infuriated the BJP government and its supporters in the UK.<\/p>\n
During his call with staff in India, Davie was joined by \u201cour director of journalism, Jonathan Munro, who will be in Delhi; the director of the World Service, Liliane Landor; and, CEO of BBC Studios, Tom Fussell\u201d. \u201cPlease do join the call if you can,\u201d he urged the staff.<\/p>\n
His email to the staff was carefully worded but he probably meant more than he said: \u201cI\u2019m very keen to hear directly from you and also to reassure you about the things we\u2019re doing to ensure that you can continue to do your job effectively and safely.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know the last weeks have been incredibly challenging for everyone. It is stressful, and sometimes difficult, when the organisation you work for is at the centre of attention. \u201cThank you for your professionalism and courage.\u201dHe went on: \u201cThe BBC continues to cooperate fully with Indian Income Tax Authorities. When we have any further information, I promise that we will update you.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was more than a hint that BBC would go on scrutinizing the actions of the Indian government come what may: \u201cI\u2019d like to be clear: the BBC does not have an agenda \u2014 we are driven by purpose. And our first public purpose is to provide impartial news and information to help people understand and engage with the world around them. It is my job to make sure that you are supported to fulfil this important task and do your work safely.\u201d<\/p>\n
Among those who have denounced the BBC programme in letters to Davie are two senior Indian-origin Tory peers. They expressed misgivings that the documentary would adversely affect communal relations in Britain.<\/p>\n
Dolar Popat told Davie: \u201c… The documentary was heavily one-sided and failed to reflect the series of events that have unfolded since the riots. Prime Minister was cleared on his involvement by the Indian judiciary and parliament, which helped to lead his re-election as a trusted leader.<\/p>\n
Rami Ranger said: \u201c….The BBC documentary has opened old wounds by creating hatred between British Hindus and Muslims by attempting to paint India as an intolerant nation where Muslims are persecuted\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Mohammed Zubair said, “The UK members from the house of commons questioned the British Govt about how it handled last week’s IT ‘Survey’ on BBC office in Delhi & Mumbai
\nTo which UK govt said, It strongly defended the BBC.”\u00a0 So how is this going to sit well with Prime Minister Rishi Sonak who criticized the BBC who is the backbone of authentic English news.<\/p>\n
\nThe UK members from the house of commons questioned the British Govt about how it handled last week's IT 'Survey' on BBC office in Delhi & Mumbai
To which UK govt said, It strongly defended the BBC. #BBCDocumentry<\/a> #BBCSurvey<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/LqWRh0I7FE<\/a><\/p>\n— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) February 22, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n