The Daily Mail reports that the BBC Asian Network is being accused of ignoring Muslims. The complaints centre around two areas: Muslim primarily featuring Bhangra and Boillywood, and lack of Muslim representation in the presenting talent.

A newspaper reports that Labour peer Lord Ahmed of Rotherham wrote to BBC director-general Mark Thompson last month.

Now the BBC has taken the unusual step of having the inquiry conducted by an external expert, Stephen Whittle, chairman of the Ofcom-linked Broadcast Training & Skills Regulator.’

Mr Whittle, who was controller of editorial policy at the BBC from 2001 to 2006, is believed to be taking evidence from tomorrow.

Lord Ahmed said: ‘I have been making these representations to the BBC for
the past ten years. I am disappointed that not much has changed. There seems to be a small mafia that is promoting their version of a culture which is contrary to the diversity within the Asian community.’

One former employee said: ‘There used to be a much higher representation of Muslims on staff. Now there are seven daytime presenters and only one is Muslim.’

‘There are about eight reporters and half were Muslims – now only two are.’