BBC News Impartiality – Hamas Terrorists
As I reported previously, I have a lot of time for BBC News. It is my go-to place for facts about world headlines, this despite it often being criticised by both ends of the political spectrum as being biased towards the other point of view.
The BBC usually gets its facts right, it remains impartial and reports the facts. That is what its reputation is based upon.
They have always held governments to account, no matter what political persuasion.
I do believe they are slightly left of centre, or moderate, with their reporting, despite what some may say, and I feel their journalists and correspondents should focus slightly more on the things they do very well.
They are, when all said and done, a worldwide respected News Outlet, recognised for its impartiality when reporting globally.
However, recent comments regarding their reporting of the latest atrocities in Gaza have me considering to what extent impartiality should extend.
JS has defended the BBC’s policy of not using the word ‘Terrorist,’ and a lot of what he said seemed reasonable.
I think it is correct they report the facts, and let the reader or viewer decide on what is right or wrong.
I do though find that when he stated that using the word terrorist implied a taking of sides, I was taken aback.
The definition of:-
Terrorist: a person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.
If the atrocities in Gaza are not as defined above then, something is wrong with your interpretation.
The BBC reporters should be using the word terrorist, as the acts were purely that.
The weren’t actions by militant gunmen. Far from it. Killing innocent men, women, and children is abominable.
Militant: Favouring confrontational or violent methods in support of a political cause.
The Hamas killings weren’t undertaken by militant gunmen, they were terrorists. Reporting that does not undermine impartiality, it demonstrates that you are reporting the facts.
We aren’t witnessing, left wing unions, or the Militant Tendency, striving for their voice to be heard in opposition to the Tories, in political UK. This is brutal killing by terrorists. Report it as such.
Impartiality: equal treatment of all rivals or disputants; fairness.
Clearly a conflict that has been ongoing for has long has it has, needs to be handled tactfully, but it would appear Hamas is not interested in any peaceful resolution. So BBC report it as it is.
By using the word terrorists in its correct context, you are maintaining the BBC’s integrity at its highest.
Of course political pressure will be applied, which must be resisted, but come on JS and the BBC, this an unelected organisation carry out atrocities.
BBC News, I suggest, should report the news first, and not to try and justify the words used, when clearly it isn’t appropriate.
