Complaint
A viewer complained about an interview on the News Channel with the Head of the Palestinian mission to the UK Husam Zomlot ,arguing it lacked challenge, particularly when compared to an earlier exchange with an Israeli spokesperson. The ECU considered whether the programme met the requirements for due impartiality set out in the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Editorial Guidelines.
Outcome
Having watched both interviews, the ECU did not share the complainant’s impression. It was put to Mr Zomlot the Israeli government had said worldwide protests – the focus of the reporting on that day – would have no bearing on the conflict. The presenter also challenged him on his assertions about Benjamin Netanyahu and the message from the Israeli government, including his claim that Gazans would not be able to receive warnings issued by the IDF.
As was to be expected Mr Zumlot gave a partisan view. But it did not follow that allowing him to air this perspective was to endorse it, particularly since questions were asked which made it clear that much of what he said was disputed.
Although impartiality is resistant to simple quantification, the ECU noted an earlier interview with the Israeli spokesman Danny Danon took a similar approach, with Mr Danon questioned and challenged on the position of the Israeli Government.
Not Upheld