New Delhi: A BBC host has apologised for an episode of a live radio podcast where a caller used abusive language while referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week.
The call was made during the 1 March episode of the ‘Big Debate’ podcast by BBC Asian Network. The debate on this episode centred on the question “Do you feel proud seeing the turban being referred to as a crown in EastEnders?”
EastEnders is a popular British soap opera that has been on air since 1985. Much of the discussion on the podcast was around the racial discrimination faced by Sikhs and Indians in the UK.
The live podcast — aired on BBC Sounds — was anchored by journalist Pria Rai.
Following massive outrage on social media about the comments on Modi, the recorded version of the three-hour podcast was edited to remove them. The version now available online also features an apology from Rai.
“Before we carry on though, we just like to apologise again for some of the offensive language that was used by guests on the show earlier. It’s a live show and we discuss controversial issues often,” the host says.
She adds: “But there was no reason for the type of language that was used and I’d like to say sorry again for any offence that was caused.”
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British-Indian group seeks action
Following the podcast, a group called British Indians Voice highlighted the incident on Twitter, where it has over 8,000 followers. The group demanded that the country’s media regulator Office of Communications (Ofcom) take action against the British broadcaster.
This offensive statement on @bbcasiannetwork literally translates to "put a leg in Modis Mothers Vagina". This is a common Punjabi offensive slur that is used to degrade women with the sole purpose to offend.#BritishIndians recommend @Ofcom to review the broadcasters licence. pic.twitter.com/fo8ScrGqzP
— British Indians Voice ???? (@BritIndianVoice) March 2, 2021
In December last year, Ofcom had imposed a £20,000 fine on Republic Bharat for alleged hate speech on a debate show hosted by Arnab Goswami.
Among Indian social media users, the episode spawned hashtags such as “BoycottBBC” and “BanBBC”, which were also used by some members of the BJP.
Its Time To #BoycottBBC .
Shame On BBC .
— Yogi Balaknath (@MahantBalaknath) March 3, 2021
Not Only #BoycottBBC .
Its Time To #BanBBC
— Arun Yadav (@beingarun28) March 3, 2021
The BBC had come under criticism from Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati last year over its coverage of the Delhi riots. Vempati declined the BBC’s invitation to an event on the grounds that the broadcaster’s coverage of the riots was “one-sided”, “without context”, and insinuated “communal behaviour”.
The BBC subsequently said it stood by their reports.
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