Complaint
A listener complained a discussion about the rise in antisemitic abuse in the UK and the deselection of the former Labour candidate in the Rochdale by-election contributed to a pattern of pro-Israel bias by the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ. Β The ECU considered whether the report met the standards of due impartiality set out in the Editorial Guidelines.
Outcome
The requirements for impartiality differ significantly between news and comedy. Β By definition The News Quiz deals with topical issues but there is a marked distinction between satire which derives humour from current events and factual news output. Β The ECU noted the complainant considered the programme βs³¦΄Η΄Ϊ΄Ϊ±π»εβ at the idea Israel had allowed the 7 October attacks to take place, but considered the extent to which a comedy programme would be required to examine the evidence behind a highly controversial statement of this kind was very limited. Β In any event the comment had been widely condemned, and disowned by the person who made it. Β
Not Upheld