WEB DESK: Over 100 BBC journalists and media industry professionals have penned an open letter to the broadcaster’s management, accusing it of “opaque editorial decisions” and censorship in its coverage of Israel-Palestine, particularly regarding the suppression of a documentary titled Gaza: Medics Under Fire.
The letter, addressed to BBC Director-General Tim Davie and the Board of Governors, alleges that the decision to block the documentary, despite it being cleared under editorial guidelines, reflects a pattern of politically motivated censorship. “This appears to be a political decision, not one based on journalism,” the letter states, citing a BBC statement that claimed airing the film “risked creating the perception of partiality.”
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The signatories argue that the BBC has repeatedly avoided critical reporting on Israel’s actions in Gaza, failing to scrutinise UK arms sales to Israel or provide meaningful analysis of the war’s legal implications. “Our audiences see the reality through other credible sources—human rights groups, UN officials, on-ground journalists, while the BBC’s news coverage often feels like PR for the Israeli military,” the letter reads.
A key concern raised is the role of Sir Robbie Gibb, a BBC Board member and part of its Editorial Standards Committee, who has ties to the Jewish Chronicle, a publication accused of publishing anti-Palestinian content. The letter questions his influence over editorial decisions, calling it a “conflict of interest” that undermines impartiality.
The signatories also highlight internal censorship, with staff reportedly facing backlash for sharing articles critical of Israel on personal social media, while Gibb’s ideological leanings go unchallenged. “We can no longer ask license fee payers to overlook this double standard,” the letter states.
Despite some “exceptional” reporting from certain BBC departments, the letter argues that overall coverage has been “out of step with reality,” downplaying Israeli aggression and reinforcing a biased narrative. With public opinion shifting globally, the BBC’s stance risks alienating audiences, the writers warn.
The letter demands accountability, urging the BBC to recommit to impartiality and reconsider Gibb’s position. “We are not asking the BBC to take sides, we are asking to report the truth without fear,” it concludes.