Nadine Osman
Over 100 BBC staff accuse the broadcaster of bias favouring Israel, claiming its Gaza coverage lacks “accurate, evidence-based journalism.”
In a letter addressed to the BBC’s Director General, Tim Davie, and CEO, Deborah Turness, on November 1, staff criticised the broadcaster for “failing to hold Israel to account for its actions.” Over 100 anonymous BBC employees, along with 200 media professionals, historians, actors, academics, and politicians, signed the letter. It stated, “The consequences of inadequate coverage are significant. Every television report, article, and radio interview that has failed to robustly challenge Israeli claims has systematically dehumanised Palestinians.”
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli operations in Gaza have led to the deaths of over 43,259 Palestinians and injured 101,827, while attacks by Hamas in Israel have resulted in approximately 1,139 deaths and over 200 captives. The letter urged the BBC to uphold editorial standards by “highlighting Israel’s restriction of external journalists’ access to Gaza; making clear when there is insufficient evidence to support Israeli claims; clearly attributing responsibility to Israel in article headlines; providing regular historical context predating October 2023; and rigorously challenging Israeli government and military officials in all interviews.”
The signatories argued that British media outlets “enjoy high levels of public trust” and have the “responsibility to fearlessly follow the evidence.” They noted that, as a license-fee-funded organisation, the BBC’s “erosion of editorial standards” jeopardises its impartiality and independence. The letter referenced a statement from last November, in which eight UK-based BBC journalists criticised the organisation for applying a “double standard in how civilians are regarded,” contrasting its extensive coverage of alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine with its treatment of Palestinian casualties.
One co-author told Al Jazeera, “This organisation doesn’t represent us. For me, and definitely for other people of colour, it’s clear that some civilian lives are valued more than others—there’s an obvious hierarchy.”
The conflict has since extended to Lebanon, where Israeli attacks have caused at least 2,897 deaths and injured 13,150 since the Gaza conflict began.
The BBC defended its coverage, citing transparency in addressing errors and highlighting challenges like restricted access to Gaza and Lebanon.
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