BBC admits “unacceptable delay” in handling of watchdog’s complaints relating to Jewish concern
The BBC has admitted that it is responsible for an “unacceptable delay” in its handling of complaints relating to Jewish concern from the news watchdog CAMERA.
The watchdog revealed that out of its 26 submitted complaints, “only seven received a proper, timely response and resolution.” It added: “The BBC’s complaint system is unable to meet its own standards when it comes to content in Arabic about Israel and Jews.”
In response, a BBC spokesperson said: “Our complaints team are in regular and direct contact with Camera Arabic who submit a comparatively large number of complaints to us each year.
“Whilst there has been dialogue on the complaints, we acknowledge that some of them have not yet been actioned or responded to with a formal outcome letter. We apologise for the unacceptable delay and will ensure formal responses are issued as soon as possible.”
Polling that we conducted in 2020 for our Antisemitism Barometer revealed that two thirds of British Jews were deeply concerned by the BBC’s coverage of matters of Jewish concern, and 55% by its handling of antisemitism complaints. It is likely that these figures would be even higher if polled today.
Recently, Campaign Against Antisemitism joined the JC in calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the BBC. The public petition was prompted by growing communal concerns regarding the Corporation.
The petition highlights the BBC’s appalling coverage of an antisemitic incident on Oxford Street over Chanukah last year, when a group of Jewish teenagers celebrating the festival were accosted by racist thugs who forced them back onto their bus and began hitting the vehicle with their hands and then their shoes, spitting on it, trying to break windows and performing Nazi salutes, as well as shouting antisemitic insults and swearing, as one such example.
A spokesperson for the Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “As calls mount for a parliamentary inquiry into antisemitism at the BBC, this feels like a forced apology. For years, the BBC has shown a disdainful attitude towards Jewish concerns and failed to engage with the community’s complaints.
“The rot has been festering for years and now needs to be drawn into the light of parliamentary scrutiny. The BBC is seen as an authoritative voice around the world, and it is disturbing to consider the extent to which the views expressed on BBC Arabic may have fanned the flames of hatred over the years.”
Campaign Against Antisemitism monitors traditional media and regularly holds outlets to account. If members of the public are concerned about reportage in the media, they should contact us at [email protected].
Image credit: Nathan Lilienfeld
