An Instagram video from the editors of ‘Vranckx’ about influencers who depict Syria as the ultimate holiday destination elicits many reactions. Not so much about those influencers, but about the fact that VRT NWS journalist Loubna Khalkhali can be seen in the video without her well-known headscarf. “VRT NWS policy”, Khalkhali replied to youth media agency StampMedia.
Loubna Khalkhali also confirms to StampMedia that wearing a headscarf is not allowed according to VRT NWS policy. VRT spokesperson Barbara Callier provides more information about that policy. “In line with its deontology and the provisions of the management agreement and the media decree, VRT NWS asks employees to adopt a neutral attitude when they take on a public role, such as a presentation of ‘Het Journaal’, ‘De Afspraak’ or in a video online. This means, among other things, that they do not wear religious symbols such as a cross or headscarf during such a presentation.”
“In all other programs, outside the news and interpretation context, a religious symbol is acceptable,” the spokesperson continues. “For example, Loubna Khalkhali presented the VRT MAX series ‘Sheroes’ and she did wear her headscarf at the time. Not during public assignments for VRT NWS. That agreement was made in good consultation. In her personal life, Loubna often wears a headscarf, sometimes not. That belongs to her individual freedom.”
“Too important”
Katia Segers, politician from Vooruit and former member of the Media Committee of the Flemish Parliament, responds to the VRT’s answer: “I think we have bigger problems in our society than whether or not someone wears a headscarf. I don’t understand why we still have to deal with such things.”
“If the VRT advocates showing diversity in its management agreement, I think Loubna should be allowed to wear a headscarf, if that is part of her identity. After all, what matters is what she does, not what she wears. In time, our society will have to evolve and it should no longer matter whether a journalist wears a headscarf,” concludes Segers.
In the comments under the Instagram video does someone say it is a pity that Khalkhali “has given in to this (the policy of VRT, ed.).” The journalist parried that remark by saying that she had made a decision for herself. “Trust me, it was not easy. But I think it’s too important to let those stories and the suppressed voices be heard.”
This article originally appeared on StampMedia.
Read also:
INTERVIEW. Adil El Arbi and Loubna Khalkhali: “Will Smith stayed especially for the highlight of our wedding” (+)
Adil El Arbi and Loubna Khalkhali exchanged Antwerp for Brussels: “I was constantly recognised. That got a bit difficult”
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss a thing of the stars.