Monday, Apr 27, 2009

Gulf News

Manama: Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation's (BRTC's) chief executive on Sunday denied claims of discrimination against black people in the state-owned broadcaster, saying the charges were "untrue and lacked credibility".

"The accusations are totally unfounded and have no credibility. We are an equal-opportunity employer and we have never taken any stance against anyone on the basis of their gender, race, creed, looks or background," Shaikh Rashid Bin Abdul Rahman Al Khalifa told Gulf News.

"At the corporation, we are fortunate to have one of the richest kaleidoscopic diversities in the region, and we shall always remain committed to strengthening it. Race, religion or gender have never been an issue with us, as can be easily attested from watching our news or programmes," he said.

A local human rights watchdog last week charged that Bahrain and other Gulf television stations were biased against black-skinned people by denying them opportunities to appear on television to read the news or to participate in news programmes.

"We are seriously concerned with this trend by media companies. Even advertising companies operating in the Arabian Gulf do not feature black-skinned people in their advertisements or posters in the media or on billboards," Bahrain Human Rights Watch said.

"Academic books used in government schools do not include pictures of black-skinned people and do not include texts that condemn discrimination or segregation on the basis of sex, origin, language, religion or creed," the rights watchdog said.

However, education ministry and Bahrain TV news officials have refuted the allegations as "not reflecting reality in Bahrain".

"I understand that some organisations think it is fashionable to talk about opportunities for black people following the historic election of Barack Obama as President [of the United States] and the breakthrough selection of a black imam for the Makkah Mosque. But this does not mean trying to take a leaf out of Obama's book and talk about racism in the media or education system of Bahrain, a country that has never experienced throughout its long history instances of racism against dark-skinned people," Kemal Dhib, an education ministry consultant, said.

For Abdullah Khalid, Bahrain TV news recruitment panel member, talk about racism in Bahrain was "simply unacceptable".

"Racism is staunchly rejected by our religion, traditions and mores. At BRTC, we have colleagues from various backgrounds and we take special pride in the diversity we offer," he said.

Testimony: Background not an issue

Mariam Al Meer is white. Ahmad Mjalli is dark-skinned. They share the work place and a home. Both work at Bahrain TV and have been married for seven years. "We have been blessed to have each other... Our happiness has increased with the birth of our two children, Mubarak and Eisa" said Mariam.

"Many people are surprised when they meet us for the first time. But our marriage has never been a serious issue for Ahmad's or my families and friends."

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