Friday, February 24, 2006

Below is a copy of my latest email to Ian Prince, sent last Sunday. I haven't got a reply and the homophobic chanting in football story went unreported. With only a few days left in February it doesn't look like the Editor is showing any signs of changing his mind and reporting stories from LGBT history month. I've written to BBC senior management to try and get things moving.

TO: Ian Prince - Editor of CBBC Newsround

Dear Mr Prince,

As you know I've been in contact with the Newsround team and yourself for a long time over the complete exclusion of lgbt news stories. Very recently the BBC's Diversity Centre confirmed that there is no reason for Newsround not to cover lgbt news and issues. And the Diversity Centre also confirmed that BBC editors have an obligation to give adequate and meaningful consideration to diversity matters and said it should form a substantial element of editorial judgement.

I'm sending you two ideas for stories. Firstly you could consider including something about LGBT history month this February

http://www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/aboutus/contact.htm

Also I read a story about the new Spurs policy to combat homophobic chanting in White Hart Lane stadium. It's in the online football magazine, Football365.com (included below). This anti-homophobia in sport story might help lgbt kids to feel more accepted and show that homophobia is wrong.


http://www.football365.com/news/story_177685.shtml

Spurs issue warning to fans
Sunday February 19 2006


Tottenham have launched a campaign to stamp out homophobic chanting at their White Hart Lane ground.

Clubs across the country have in recent times looked to eradicate racist abuse aimed at players from the terraces and now Spurs have also targeted anti-gay taunting.

A statement from safety officer Sue Tilling says on www.tottenhamhotspur.com: "The club is committed to tackling all forms of discrimination or harassment, whether it concerns race, religion or sexual orientation, and strong action will be taken against those guilty of this offence, whether witnessed by our stewards or reported to them."

Spurs spokesman Peter Secchi has also told the News of the World: "We are fully aware of the spate of homophobic songs and chants that have been creeping into the game lately.

"We will print a warning in our match programme to remind fans that kind of abuse will not be tolerated.

"It's something we have spoken to the Premier League about and we hope this lead is followed by other clubs."

Tottenham have already received the backing of sports minister Richard Caborn, who told the same newspaper: "I compliment Spurs on taking such a positive step.

"It sends a significant message to fans that abusive chants on race, colour, creed or sexuality will not be tolerated. My message to the fans is: Be supportive not abusive."

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Right on! A search on CBBCNews for 'gay' yields one result from 2002 about Will Young. WILL YOUNG FFS.