Particle.news
Download on the App Store
47 ARTICLES
·
10h ago

BBC Acknowledges Editorial Breach in Gaza Documentary Narrated by Hamas Official’s Son

Ofcom has launched a probe into whether audiences were materially misled by the omission of key background on the child narrator.

FILE - This photo shows a BBC sign outside the entrance to the headquarters of the publicly funded media organization in London, July 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Johnston’s internal review found failure to disclose that 13-year-old narrator Abdullah al-Yazouri was the son of Hamas deputy minister Ayman al-Yazouri, in breach of accuracy guideline 3.3.17.
  • The report held independent producer Hoyo Films chiefly responsible for the nondisclosure and criticised the BBC for insufficient editorial checks and oversight.
  • Director-General Tim Davie apologised for the “significant failing” and committed to implementing strict vetting, accountability frameworks, and staff training.
  • The BBC outlined measures including new editorial guidance on use of narrators, a dedicated compliance leadership role, and a mandatory review process for high-risk documentaries.
  • Ofcom has launched its own inquiry to determine whether audiences were materially misled by the documentary’s omissions under its factual programming standards.