FT patron quits

August 19 2009

George Alagiah has been forced to resign as patron of the Fairtrade Foundation by the BBC.

Citing its need for impartiality, the BBC told Mr Alagiah that after seven years working in the role that he must resign.

In a letter published in the Foundation’s summer magazine, he said: “It is with great regret that I have to tell you that this will be the last time I write as your patron, and I want to explain why I am no longer able to continue in this role. The decision is not mine.

“My senior colleagues at the BBC have come to the conclusion that being the official patron of the Fairtrade Foundation is no longer compatible with being a high-profile journalist in BBC News. They believe that Fairtrade represents a potential conflict of interest which could undermine my impartiality.”

The Foundation said it is “extremely disappointed” by the BBC’s decision. A spokeswoman added: “George’s long history of commitment to Africa and to development, his in-depth knowledge and commitment to justice for the poor, meant that we have had the perfect ambassador for Fairtrade.”

Category: Fairtrade