Sveriges Television wrote in January in response to a question about the company’s presenter can wear religious symbols. The answer that can be read on their website reads:
”When it comes to the particular host of a news bulletin, we want to avoid symbols – all kinds of symbols – religious or other.”
the Company explains further that the clothing draws attention from the content and can therefore be seen as the host of the show takes a clear position. I agree with you.
it says that an assessment will be made on a case-by-case basis on what the consignment concerns and the role of the host. An interpretation one can make is that in some cases it is considered to be more or less accepted to be the clothes draws attention from program content.
the Reply, the wording is abstract and leads to a worrying scope for interpretation. When the SVT on 20 march sent a feature of the Stockholm patients where trafikborgarrådet Daniel Helldén (MP) are held accountable for systematically cheating in the removal of the snow bar, the reporter in the broadcast veil. Viewers ‘ reactions were to the journalist’s clothes drew attention from the news.
In a time when many polarized interests trying to control the flow of information to their own advantages, it is difficult to be objective. Today, it is therefore more important than ever to safeguard public services position in the matter is clear and free from interpretation regarding all types of symbols that could be perceived as a position – political as well as religious.
It should also be noted that the veil is a garment like millions of people the world over right now are fighting against. Women are imprisoned in Iran for refusing the compulsion to wear it. It is in no way a neutral article of clothing, but carries a loaded political and religious significance.
is a third state power, which places high demands on the quality and independence of journalism in order to maintain a healthy and democratic society. It is the riksdag that decides on the mission to broadcast programmes and make available on different platforms to reach as many people as possible.
the Wording from the parliament reads: ”the Operations must be characterised by independence and strong integrity and be conducted independently in relation to both the state and the various economic, political and other interests and maktsfärer in society.”
The wording is unlike the SVT’s response on the website concrete and clear. My understanding is that the SVT has remained outside the parliamentary framework for the public service.
