Statement from: Bill Roberts, President and CEO, VisionTV

    Re: National Post article "VisionTV defends airing 'jihad' lecture,"
    July 20

    TORONTO, July 20 /CNW/ - I condemn any reference to or suggestion of holy
war or violent jihad by any group. I regret that Mr. Israr Ahmad's statements
may have conveyed such a suggestion, and we will redouble our efforts to
ensure that it does not happen again.
    VisionTV wishes to make clear that this organization in no way condones
or defends any speech that advocates the waging or financing of violent
activity in the name of jihad.
    VisionTV unequivocally rejects all violence - or support for violent
activities - in the name of religious faith. Furthermore, VisionTV condemns in
the strongest possible terms any speech derogatory of particular religious,
ethnic or cultural groups.
    Any statements by Mr. Ahmad that infer or encourage violence are not and
will not be defended by VisionTV. Such statements run counter to our mission
and long-standing track record of celebrating, reflecting and respecting
Canada's many faith communities.
    VisionTV subjects all of its programs to intensive scrutiny. Should any
program be found in violation of VisionTV's Code of Ethics, it will be
withdrawn from the air immediately.
    VisionTV regrets that Mr. Ahmad's statements may have offended viewers'
perceptions of our channel, and will not permit further remarks of this nature
to be broadcast.

For further information: David Todd, Media Relations Manager, VisionTV,
Phone: (416) 368-3194, ext. 207, Email: dtodd@s-vox.com