(www.timesonline.co.uk, October 18th 2006)
Fiona Bruce is allowed to wear a cross while presenting the news as long as it is not "large" and "shiny", BBC executives have ruled. The corporation sought to end the debate over the religious symbols that newscasters are allowed to wear by ruling that they must not distract viewers.
Some BBC executives argued that any dress that indicates the religious or political leanings of news presenters should not be permitted. But viewers reacted angrily to suggestions that the crucifix necklace, which Bruce has worn on several occasions, might now be prohibited. After inviting viewer responses on his BBC blog Peter Horrocks, Head of Television News, wrote: "The majority of people from religious and non religious backgrounds believed if a presenter is wearing religious clothing as part of her identity then it's absolutely fine for them to continue to do so." He added: " I agree with this view, although on an individual basis we do need to consider whether symbols distract and get in the way of their (newsreaders) primary job of communicating the news. The wearing of a full veil, for example, would hinder communication with the audience; a large shiny cross would be too distracting."
Mr horrocks acknowledged that a minority of respondents believed that "any symbols had the potential to distract and could compromise impartiality." He emphasized that Ms Bruce had not been banned from wearing the cross but the issue had been raised at a BBC Governors' meeting during a debate about impartiality. Viewers remained sceptical over Mr Horrocks' compromise. One replied on his blog: "A large, shiny cross sounds more like fashion than faith. So are you suggesting that the real problem with Fiona Bruce's cross is not actually religious intolerance but a call for presenters not to wear jewellery because it is distracting?"
Stephen Whittle, controller of BBC editorial policy until last year, said last month it was a "mistake" to allow Ms Bruce to wear a cross on air. He said "A newsreader should not let themselves get in the way of a story by wearing things that make the audience wonder about the newsreader's own position on the story." The BBC has not reported any viewer complaints over Ms Bruce's cross. The issue fed into a wider debate about religious dress and impartiality. A Heathrow check in worker, Nadia Eweids, was suspended after refusing to remove a small crucifix necklace, which breached the British Airways dress code.
Some firms have cited health and safety regulations as their reasons for not allowing crosses to be worn. The debate was sparked by Jack Straw's call for Muslim women to remove the veil in his MP's surgery.