Royal Television Society Reinstates Gaza Journalism Award Following Backlash

The RTS reversed its decision to withhold a special award for journalists in Gaza after widespread criticism and calls for transparency from media figures.

• The Royal Television Society (RTS) announced it will present a special award recognizing the work of journalists in Gaza, following a pause due to controversy over a BBC documentary.
• The initial decision to withhold the award was linked to concerns that controversy surrounding the BBC's 'Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone' could overshadow the ceremony.
• The BBC documentary faced criticism after it was revealed that its teenage narrator was the son of a Hamas official, with additional allegations of mistranslations and payments to the family involved.
• A letter signed by over 400 media figures, including prominent journalists and filmmakers, criticized the RTS decision and called for the award to be reinstated, with some signatories copying King Charles, the RTS's royal patron.
• The RTS has committed to presenting the award at a later date and is currently discussing how to proceed, while facing calls for greater transparency and an organizational review.

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