In Nigeria, journalist Zainab Bala speaks out about hijab dispute on air
In Nigeria, former GIST Nigeria presenter Zainab Bala said that during nine months of work on the programme, jointly produced by BBC Africa and Channels Television, her hijab became a subject of dispute. According to her, the first episode featuring her was recorded at Channels Television’s headquarters in Lagos but was not broadcast for several weeks.
Premium Times Nigeria reports this. Bala spoke about her experience in the second episode of the YouTube platform The HSM Tribe, published on August 28. She said that she came to the interview in 2023 wearing a hijab and confirmed that she planned to present the programme with her head covered.
Delay of the first episode
According to Bala, after the debut episode was recorded, programmes presented by another team member went on air, while her episode was not shown. She said that she later learned from an editor about discussions between the BBC and Channels Television regarding her appearance. She claimed that Channels Television did not want to show a presenter wearing a hijab on screen.
Bala also said that the BBC tried to reach an agreement with its partner so that she could wear the head covering, but with certain restrictions on her appearance. At first, the journalist considered leaving the job, but decided to stay, hoping that her presence would create more opportunities for other Muslim women. She ultimately presented several episodes of GIST Nigeria.
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BBC’s position
Bala said that she left the BBC not only because of the hijab issue. She also reported what she described as “mental and emotional bullying” by an editor, which, she said, influenced her decision to leave the organization. She added that other team members had allegedly also complained about the editor’s behavior.
BBC representative Robin Miller said in a response to Premium Times Nigeria that the BBC seeks to be an inclusive workplace. According to him, BBC presenters and correspondents regularly appear on air wearing hijabs, including on GIST Nigeria. He added that the BBC does not comment on individual personnel matters, but takes bullying complaints seriously and investigates them when they are received.
Bala denied that a photo sent by the BBC showed her as a GIST Nigeria presenter wearing the hijab she usually wore. According to her, the picture was taken while she was working on a report, rather than while presenting the programme.
