Many are dismayed that the BBC refuses to call Hamas ‘terrorist’ and are demanding change! More than 20,000 of you concerned citizens have added your names to this petition demanding the BBC call Hamas what they are - terrorists! One cannot read or watch the never ending stream of heinous terror intentionally perpetrated against innocent unarmed civilians - babies, children, women, festival goers and the elderly,and call it by any other name. Hamas acted as terrorists and need to be recognised for who they are.
It seems we are not the only ones calling truth to power. CNN has also questioned the BBC’s action. In the CNN newsletter ‘Reliable Sources’ journalist Oliver Darcy, explores unapologetically the BBC’s blatant hypocrisy. “A BBC spokesperson told me it is an approach "that has been used for decades." The BBC's explanation, however, has a hole in it: namely, that it has repeatedly described those who have carried out other terrorist plots as "terrorists." When I pointed this out to the BBC press office with a handful of specific examples, asking how it could now claim that it hasn't used the term, my repeated emails went unreturned.”
For a public broadcaster to ghost the sincere questioning of another reputable news organisation does not bode well. The truth is that BBC has used the word terrorist in other terrorising situations. Yet, for some reason that is unclear, publicly Hamas gets the benefit of the BBC’s standards and practice policy, citing an outdated argument from a 1988 Newsroom Policy on Neutral Language and Terrorism” by David Spaull, (former) Editor, World Service News.
This double standard does not feel just. It is, for that reason we will continue to question the BBC’s decision.
One petition supporter Richard Wood clearly articulated the non sensical argument in his comments “Hamas is already a proscribed terrorist organisation under UK law, and it is clearly committing terrorist acts, so not calling them terrorists compromises the BBC's impartiality and credibility much more than not calling them terrorists does. Honest reporting requires honest language.”
If it’s recognised under UK Law by the UK government surely the BBC needs to recognise the legal positioning.
Before signing off - a HUGE thank you again for standing up for authentic representation in language.
Your actions have resulted in 95,939 petition views and 10,782 petition shares. Some of you have also put your hard earned money behind this campaign with more than £11,244.07 donated to spread the word ( as of 12th October 2.26 GMT). Thank you for your meaningful generosity and clear commitment to changing the narrative around Hamas.
As we are gaining traction, I also implore you to consider donating to reputable charities who are on the ground offering much needed support to victims. Money is best spent directly helping those who are offering much needed assistance during this critical time. If you have to choose financially between supporting this petition or recognised charities on the ground - please pick the charity!
Lastly, thank you. Thank you for being brave enough to do what the BBC currently won’t - look evil in the eye and call them terrorists.