Union calls for action over Big Brother
Shilpa Shetty, the Bollywood star at the centre of a Big Brother furore
BECTU has called for Channel Four and the producers of Big Brother to take a stand against racist bullying on the show.
Tens of thousands of complaints have been made this week to industry regulator Ofcom about the treatment met out by fellow contestants to Indian film star Shilpa Shetty.
In scenes watched by millions she has been taunted about her name, background, and diet, prompting the programme's sponsor, Carphone Warehouse, to withdraw its support.
Some legal advisers have suggested that the abuse Shetty has suffered may be in breach of the Race Relations Act, and Channel Four has come under pressure to intervene.
The union has issued a statement condemning the film star's treatment, drawing a comparison with the experiences of black and ethnic workers in some parts of the audiovisual industry.
BECTU statement on Big Brother racism
BECTU and its members have watched the well-publicised events on the Channel Four programme Celebrity Big Brother with concern.
Both racism and bullying in general are, unfortunately, serious issues in the broadcasting industry as they are across most areas of society.
BECTU Assistant General Secretary Gerry Morrissey commented: "Channel 4 has said that we need to confront the truth that the attitudes displayed on Big Brother do persist. It is a shame that it took worldwide protests and tens of thousands of complaints before the programme producers began to attempt to do something rather than taking immediate steps as soon as the issue arose."
Black and minority ethnic members of BECTU have remarked that the treatment of Shilpa Shetty has provoked uncomfortable reminders of their own experiences in the industry.
However, there is still a clear opportunity for Channel Four, Endemol and industry regulator Ofcom to take strong and unequivocal positions that racism and bullying are totally unacceptable. BECTU would be disappointed should these three major players in the broadcasting industry fail to accept their responsibilities in this matter.