There is no evidence of systematic bias in the BBC’s coverage of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but the British station shouldn’t shy away from using the word “terrorism,” a panel found. The report, issued by a five-person panel appointed last year by the BBC, did note individual cases of biased coverage, The Guardian reported, but said that overall the BBC made an effort to report impartially. Still, the report concluded that the BBC “does not consistently give a full and fair account of the conflict,” and in some cases favors the Israeli side over the Palestinians, the London-based Times reported. Israeli deaths, for example, received greater coverage than Palestinian deaths, the report said, and Israelis got more air time than Palestinians on news and current affairs programs. That might surprise Jewish groups, who have accused the BBC of being heavily skewed in favor of the Palestinians.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
