Britain’s communications regulator Ofcom has rejected complaints that it was inappropriate for a hijab-wearing Channel 4 News journalist to present reports of the Bastille Day attack in France that killed 84 people.
A suggestion published in a column in The Sun that it was not right for a Muslim presenter wearing a hijab to report the incident set off a storm and prompted hundreds of complaints to the Independent Press Standards Organization (IPSO).
However, Ofcom received 17 complaints about the channel using Fatima Manji to convey the news. She was scheduled to present the news on the day before the attack.
Ofcom said it assessed the complaints but deemed there was no ground to launch a full investigation into any potential breach of the broadcasting code.
“We received a small number of complaints that it was inappropriate for a presenter wearing a hijab to present a report on the attack in Nice,” an Ofcom spokesman said.
“We won’t be taking the matter forward for investigation. The selection of a presenter is an editorial matter for the broadcaster, and the way in which the presenter chose to dress in this case did not raise any issues under our rules.” 
In The Sun column, former editor Kelvin MacKenzie wrote that he “could hardly believe my eyes” when he saw Manji on screen. “Was it appropriate for her to be on camera when there had been yet another shocking slaughter by a Muslim?” he said. 
IPSO is yet to rule on hundreds of complaints it received against MacKenzie’s column.
Channel 4 News said MacKenzie’s comments were “offensive, completely unacceptable”, and “arguably tantamount to inciting religious and even racial hatred.”
It said in a statement: “It is wrong to suggest that a qualified journalist should be barred from reporting on a particular story or present on a specific day because of their faith. 
“Manji is an award-winning journalist. We are proud that she is part of our team and will receive, as ever, our full support in the wake of his comments.”

Source: Arab News