PSC head office, London, has released a positive statement about media relations - which is here in full:
Some good news today.
On 1st April, BBC Online ran an article headlined ‘Palestinians formally join International Criminal Court’
The article included this information:
‘On Wednesday, the Palestinians became the 123rd member of the ICC, 90 days after they lodged a declaration accepting the jurisdiction of the court over alleged crimes committed in the occupied territories of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza from 13 June 2014.
This covers events prior to and during last summer's 50-day conflict between Israel and militants in Gaza, which left more than 2,200 people dead.’
There was no breakdown of those killed ie that the vast majority were Palestinian, and it’s not the first time that the BBC has done this.
A FN volunteer complained, via the complaints form on the website, and received the standard brush off. This was the reply from BBC Complaints:
We understand you feel the report lacks accuracy. In particular you feel the figures cited did not take into account that the majority of those killed were Palestinians.
‘We reviewed the article in light of your concern and we point out the main focus for the report was that Palestine has formally joined the International Criminal Court (ICC). The figure of 2,200 was only quoted in reference to the fact that Palestine is seeking justice for alleged war crimes, therefore details of the figure was not relevant in this context of the report.
‘We are grateful to you for taking the time to let us know of occasions when you believe we fall short of our own standards and we hope this allays any concerns you might have regarding our coverage.’
The FN volunteer responded to say that the ICC could be investigating events that took place during the 50 day period of Israel’s assault. Therefore, the number of Palestinians killed during that period - a massive number - is entirely relevant in the context of this report. In fact, in the context of this report, more could be made of that figure – the number of children killed, the number of civilians killed, the disproportionate number of Palestinians killed, how great that number was in comparison to the Israelis killed etc – in order to give examples of what crimes the Israelis could be charged with.
This reply was received yesterday from the BBC: ‘Thank you for your further e-mail regarding our article reporting that the Palestinians had formally joined the International Criminal Court.
‘I disagree with our initial response and believe you have a point regarding the breakdown of casualty figures. Although these statistics have featured regularly throughout our coverage of the Middle East, in recognition of your concerns we’ve since added a paragraph stating:
‘At least 2,189 were Palestinians, including more than 1,486 civilians, according to the UN. On the Israeli side, 67 soldiers were killed along with six civilians.’
An important victory. And the BBC has used the new phrasing again in an online story about Israel hitting UN shelters in Gaza: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32479271
Hopefully, it will continue to use the breakdown of casualty figures in all future reporting where it mentions how many were killed.
With many thanks to the volunteer who made and followed through the complaint.
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