Director General of the BBC Mark Thompson to Reporters: "Don't Fear Causing Offence To Muslims"

I didn't expect this one, I must admit.

BBC chief Mark Thompson warns of 'over-cautious' Islam coverage:

Mark Thompson, the Director General of the BBC, tonight warned broadcasters against becoming overly-cautious in their reporting on Islam for fear of causing offence to Muslims.

Speaking at Westminster Cathedral Mr Thompson, a practising Catholic, said there was “a growing nervousness about discussion about Islam and its relationship to the traditions and values of British and Western society as a whole”.

He said that the BBC and other major channels “have a special responsibility” to ensure that debates about “faith and society” and about any religion “should not be foreclosed or censored”.

Indeed.

I am not holding my breath, though.

Exit question: Was it a Ben Elton effect?