Complaint
A viewer complained that morning’s coverage of the Gaza conflict was biased against Palestinians, citing a range of issues including the language used to describe the victims of the conflict. The ECU considered whether the programme had met the requirements of due impartiality and accuracy set out in the ѿý Guidelines.
Outcome
The ECU carefully considered each instance raised but did not find evidence of bias. In its view there was no requirement, for example, to use the same terminology when describing the deaths on both sides, and it was appropriate to refer to the family of a hostage as having been “mܰ” by armed gunmen. The reference to Hamas as being considered a terrorist organisation “around the world” was also duly accurate in the context of the number of countries which had designated the organisation as such. Overall the ECU considered the coverage, which focused on the release of a number of hostages by Hamas, was duly accurate and impartial.
Not Upheld