In October Guido reported that Channel 4 News was employing a former CAGE extremist who had supported an Islamic theologian infamous for defending Hitler. Today we can reveal they are employing another reporter who sent a string of vulgar racially-charged epithets. Investigative journalist Assed Baig attacked moderate Muslims with racial terms including “uncle Tom” and “house Muslim”, even claiming that British Muslims who attend Islamic events hosted by the government are “Uncle Toms”, a derogatory phrase meaning a black person who is obedient to whites:
Baig suggested moderate Muslims “dance” for their “master” because they are “house Muslims“, another racial slur:
In response to a story about a Muslim Tory candidate calling for Muslims to join the British Army, Baig shockingly wrote:
Baig also claimed that the terms “choc-ice” and “coconut”, racial slurs which speak for themselves, are “not racist terms”:
At the time of going to pixel Baig had not responded to a request for comment. For Channel 4 News to employ one reporter with extreme views could be considered misfortune, to employ two…
UPDATE: Channel 4 News statement:
‘We are aware of the tweets in question by Assad Baig which pre-date his employment by Channel 4 News. They are clearly a personal view relating to that particular period in time. However, he has been reminded of his responsibilities as a journalist to be fair and impartial when representing Channel 4 News at all times.’
UPDATE II: Anti-Islamphobia campaign Tell Mama condemns use of “House Muslim“ phrase.
The Times, Telegraph and Independent all went for the same cliché headline, used to cover countless budgets and spending reviews before. The rest of the unpopular press following in the Indy’s footsteps is not a good omen for the Times and Telegraph…
H/T thhamilton
Yesterday Guido brought you Minister Media Monitor, our new resource monitoring ministerial broadcast appearances. As Craig Oliver implements a “one minister a day” policy, the battle is on between producers to land a government spokesman for their programme. In February Sky News and the World at One were the most successful at getting ministers on, followed by the Today programme and Question Time. Piers Morgan only granted one minister a spot on Good Morning Britain. The full numbers show just how few ministers Downing Street authorises to go on the airwaves, another key decline in accountability…
ITV’s scoop-getting political editor Robert Peston is annoying Tory spinners in more ways than one. When the other broadcasters film short interviews in Downing Street, they usually bring one camera with them to film the interviewee. Peston however insists on bringing two cameras, one to film the minister, the other to film himself. Apparently Pesto wants a camera on himself at all times so plenty of shots of him looking inquisitive can be edited into the package. This means double the number of camera crew, causing a headache for press officers. A senior government source reveals “he turns up with a f**king movie set”. Don’t disturb the creative process…
Allegra Stratton has started her new gig at ITV meaning Newsnight needs a new political editor. As ever, Guido gives you your runners and riders…
David Grossman – Seen as the internal BBC option, Grossman currently does the tech-y stuff but has been temping as the stand-in political editor recently. Could he get the gig full time?
Tom Newton Dunn – The Sun’s political editor is well overdue a broadcast job and would solve Ian Katz’s problem of Newsnight being seen as dreary Guardian TV. Though would Auntie be able to afford him?
Nicholas Watt – Snubbed by Kath Viner in favour of the sisterhood, telegenic Watt is sure to be snapped up soon and could continue the Guardian to Newsnight career path trod by Allegra. Surely has to leave King’s Place when a decent opportunity arises.
Janan Ganesh – Like Watt, sits on the Sunday Politics panel which is apparently watched closely by BBC bosses looking for new senior hires. Flair of his columns would be missed. And he’d turn Newsnight full-on hipster.
Tom McTague – Out of a job at the Sindy, which is particularly unlucky since he only moved there a few months ago. Would be a dream escape route.
Isabel Oakeshott – Was believed to be in the running for the ITV job before it was taken by Peston. Young children mean it’s unlikely she’ll do it.
Isabel Hardman – A regular on the airwaves, has been linked to TV roles for years. Though Newsnight barely get more viewers than the Speccie’s View from 22.
Chris Ship – In Peston’s unwelcome shadow over at ITV News, which is enough to drive anyone to look for another job. Would be a step up he ain’t getting at ITV any time soon.
Helen Lewis – The third Sunday Politics panelist, Lewis has been at the Staggers for ages. Believed to be interested in the job.
Who’s your money on?
UPDATE: Paddy Power appear to have priced up the runners and riders based on our story above: David Grossman is the 5/4 favourite. Nicholas Watt is the 2/1 shot and Tom Newton Dunn is is the value bet at 5/1.
Buzzfeed UK are taking on a new reporter with a “special interest in Muslim issues”, who must be fluent in either Bengali, Urdu, or Arabic and have a “strong list of contacts and sources within the Muslim community”. Perks of the job? They’re offering the successful candidate free beer once a month…
No shortage of beer-loving Arabic, Bengali and Urdu speakers who could apply…
