Jewish BBC reporter quits due to ‘terminology policy’.
OAN’s Stephanie Stahl
4:20 PM – Thursday, October 12, 2023
A reporter for the BBC has resigned after the broadcast station repeatedly chose to not classify Hamas as “terrorists” in its coverage of the violent attacks on Israel.
Jewish sports reporter Noah Abrahams, 22, voiced that the BBC’s decision to not describe Hamas’s actions as terrorism was “unjustified” and argued that words, or lack thereof, have the power to exacerbate conflict.
The BBC has recently faced backlash for referring to Hamas solely as a “militant group” and describing the horrific violence against Israelis as a “militant” attack.
In a recent interview, Abrahams explained the reasons that led to his decision to quit his job, noting that he realizes this was a “monumental career life decision.”
“I have morals and I stick by them. Words impact how we think, how we react, how we act. They have influence. [Hamas] aren’t freedom fighters. They’re terrorists,” Abrahams continued.
The BBC has not officially commented on the sports reporter’s exit. However, a spokesperson for the broadcaster issued the following statement on “language” policy.
“We always take our use of language very seriously. Anyone watching or listening to our coverage will hear the word ‘terrorist’ used many times – we attribute it to those who are using it, for example, the U.K. Government. This is an approach that has been used for decades, and is in line with that of other broadcasters. The BBC is an editorially independent broadcaster whose job is to explain precisely what is happening ‘on the ground’ so our audiences can make their own judgment.”
Meanwhile, various governmental officials have spoken out about the controversy. U.K. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said the policy is “verging on disgraceful”.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer have also urged the BBC to revise its policy.
John Simpson, a BBC broadcaster, posted a response to the criticism on X, formerly known as Twitter.
David Jordan, the director of editorial policy and standards, asserted that the guideline has been in place for years in an effort to avoid a perception of “bias.”
“It’s about making sure that all audiences trust the information that we’re giving them, that they don’t think the BBC is coming at this from one side of the conflict as opposed to the other, and that we steer a course though this in very difficult circumstances in which our journalism can continue to be factual, accurate, impartial and truthful,” Jordan continued.
Despite the BBC’s statement on language policy, Abrahams continued to defend his decision to resign.
“British Jews are terrified, and so am I, and I don’t feel like I can stand by the BBC any longer with their stance on terminology,” Abrahams concluded.
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What are the potential consequences of using politically charged language like “terrorist” in media reporting?
BBC’s decision anymore,” Abrahams said. “I felt that by working for an organization that refuses to call terrorists what they are, I was contributing to the marginalization and silencing of the Jewish community.”
The debate over how to label Hamas and other groups involved in conflicts around the world is not new. It raises important questions about the power of language and the role of media in shaping public opinion. While some argue that using the term “terrorist” is necessary to accurately describe the actions of certain groups, others believe that it is a subjective and politically charged term that can perpetuate stereotypes and hinder the potential for peaceful resolution.
In the case of the BBC’s coverage of the attacks on Israel, the decision not to use the term “terrorist” has sparked controversy and criticism. Critics argue that by referring to Hamas solely as a “militant group,” the BBC is downplaying the severity and intent of their actions. They argue that this language choice implies a false equivalence between Hamas and the Israeli government, ignoring the fact that one side has launched attacks targeting civilians while the other is a recognized state defending its citizens.
The BBC, on the other hand, defends its approach as an editorial choice aimed at maintaining impartiality and avoiding taking sides in the conflict. They argue that using politically loaded terms like “terrorist” can undermine trust in their reporting and create the perception of bias. Instead, they rely on attributing the term to those who use it, such as government officials or other sources.
This debate reflects broader discussions about the role of media in conflict zones and the ethical responsibilities of journalists. Reporting on conflicts requires careful consideration of language, framing, and the potential impact on audiences. Journalists must strive for accuracy and transparency while navigating complex and sensitive situations.
However, the BBC’s decision not to use the term “terrorist” in its coverage of the attacks on Israel has raised concerns about the potential for bias and the impact on public perception. It is important to recognize that language choices have consequences and can influence how
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