Two of the most extreme figures in the UK race relations debate have today appealed to be allowed more access to the airwaves to voice to their opinions.
Speaking at a special Radio Festival debate this afternoon, leader of the British National Party, Nick Griffin and fundamentalist Muslim cleric, Sheikh Abu Hamza al-Masri, criticised the UK media for marginalising those with extreme beliefs.
Both claimed to have been misrepresented by broadcasters and journalists, which they argue are all too quick to demonise fundamentalist figures. Griffin, whose party has been heavily criticised following the race riots in Oldham earlier this year, pleaded to be given the chance to air his views fairly.
He said: “People from all walks of life feel gagged because their opinions are never represented in the media. Sometimes the truth is ugly and appalling but that’s what should be reported. If you think we’re wrong let us on air and demolish us, but a least give us an opportunity to have our say.”
Abu Hamza, also appealed for the chance to voice to his beliefs, saying: “We should be given time in the media to be challenged, to be examined, to air our opinions.”
The Today Programme producer Rod Liddle, who was chairing the debate, acknowledged that extreme figures rarely get on air due to strict broadcasting guidelines, which, he said, exist to: “Prevent them from saying something that will grossly offend large sections of the population.”
The Radio Academy has defended its decision to stage the debate, which was intended to investigate how speech radio stations deal with a dilemma that news organisations are having to face more regularly.
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