Ofcom launches formal investigation into Al Jazeera documentary following CAA’s complaint

The broadcasting regulator, Ofcom, has confirmed in a letter to Campaign Against Antisemitism that it has launched a formal investigation into Al Jazeera’s so-called documentary, “The Lobby”, following our complaint. Ofcom has completed their assessment of the programme they have launched a formal investigation into the programme’s compliance with the Broadcasting Code.

The investigation has been officially listed in Ofcom’s Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin. In particular, Ofcom is investigating whether the programme complied with rules in Sections Two (harm and offence) and Section Five (impartiality) of the Broadcasting Code. In addition, they are also investigating complaints of unfair treatment and infringement of privacy of a number of individuals featured in the programme.

“The Lobby” was premised on a remark by a junior Israeli Embassy employee and an MP’s former adviser. From one brief conversation, the programme attempted to extrapolate the existence of a full-bodied conspiracy, including the suggestion that swathes of the British Jewish community are in league with the Israeli government to subvert British democracy. In our complaint, our Regulatory Enforcement Unit alleged that the programme breached several core Principles of the Broadcasting Code, including accuracy, impartiality, fair treatment of individuals, harmful material and incitement.

Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomes this formal investigation and keenly awaits the outcome.