The British Broadcasting Corporation expressed regret today about a BBC television program in which a performer playing a police officer told a suspect in a case that “you put things in your wife’s name just like a Jew boy headed for bankruptcy.”
Sir Barnett Janner, former chairman of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, expressed disgust over the program, called “Softly Softly.” He said Jewish organizations would certainly take the matter up. Hundreds of Jewish listeners in London and outside sent protests by telephone and letters to the BBC.
The BBC explained that the objectionable phrase was used “as a means of provocation within the context of the story. A tough detective used the word to provoke a crook with whom he was having a drink.” The BBC added that it nevertheless “appreciates that the use of the remark gave offense” and said it “regrets” that it was used.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
