Royal Television Society Faces Backlash Over Gaza Journalism Award Reversal

Media professionals criticize the RTS for withdrawing recognition of Gaza journalists, citing lack of transparency and undue external pressures.

The Royal Television Society (RTS) rescinded a planned award for Gaza journalists, citing ongoing investigations into news reports from the region.
The decision followed controversy surrounding a BBC documentary, which featured a narrator linked to a Hamas official, though the journalists in Gaza were not involved in the production.
Nearly 400 media professionals, including prominent figures like Jonathan Dimbleby and Orla Guerin, signed a letter calling the decision 'cowardly' and demanding transparency from the RTS.
Signatories emphasized the sacrifices of Gaza journalists, with at least 170 killed while reporting during the ongoing conflict, and urged the RTS to reconsider the award.
The group has requested a meeting with King Charles, the RTS's Royal Patron, to address concerns about the society's decision-making process and commitment to journalistic integrity.