A Response from The BBC

On September 21, Huw Edwards, the anchor of the BBC Ten O'Clock News, referred to Jean Charles de Menezes as as 'innocent Brazilian' on air.

I immediately called the BBC's Audience Response line to complain. Late last week, I received the following reply; it is reproduced as punctuated:

'Our Ref 12100558

23 September 2005

Dear Mr. Kelly

Thank you for your telephone call of 21 September, regarding the Ten O'Clock News on BBC ONE.

I was sorry to learn of your concerns about a report about the death of Jean Charles de Menezes. I understand you feel it was wrong of Huw Edwards to describe Mr. de Menezes as innocent, given his immigration status. I understand that Mr. de Menezes's visa had expired.

If I may explain, however, the term 'innocent' was applied to Mr. de Menezes to underline that, as has been confirmed by the Metropolitan Police, he was not guilty of those crimes for which he was suspected by the pursuing police officers on the morning of his death. We do not believe that viewers would have been seriously misled by the use of the term.

However, I understand you feel the word should not be used when describing Mr. de Menezes and I recognise the strength of your views on this matter. Accordingly, please be assured your comments have been recorded for the benefit of senior management and the programme makers. The BBC always welcomes all feedback, as it helps us to make decisions about future programmes or policies.

Thank you again for your interest in the BBC and for taking the trouble to contact us.

Yours sincerely,

Kenneth MacEachen

BBC Information'

Well, they weren't recorded quickly enough, because I've made two other complaints on the same point since the date of that letter.

And whatever happened to BBC English - 'those crimes for which he was suspected'? Egad.

Mail Kenneth your thoughts on his reply.