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Ofcom has refused to investigate the BBC over the broadcaster’s decision to label Hamas a “terrorist” rather than a “terrorist” after an MP reported the Today program to the regulator.
Britain’s broadcasting regulator said today it will not investigate the Beeb after Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant complained about the broadcaster over “false” claims on his Today programme.
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It read: “Under the BBC Charter and Agreement, approved by Parliament, complaints about BBC editorial content should be dealt with under a ‘BBC First’ framework.
“This means that, except in exceptional circumstances, complainants must complete the BBC complaints process before coming to Ofcom.”
Commenting on the letter, Fabricant accused the regulator of shifting responsibility.
“That’s the responsibility of Ofcom,” Fabricant told GB News.
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The BBC has faced criticism over its decision not to label Hamas as terrorists.the countryside“Ofcom was directly involved in the complaint against the BBC because Mishal Hussain on the ‘Today’ program incorrectly claimed that it is Ofcom rules that explicitly prevent the BBC from labeling Hamas as terrorists!”
The Lichfield MP took action after Today host Mishal Hussain falsely said “ofcom rules” prevented him from using the word “terrorist”.
Writing to the regulator’s top authority Dame Melanie Dawes, Fabricant said: “After the Defense Secretary called out the BBC for refusing to label Hamas as a terrorist organisation, the presenter falsely claimed that Ofcom broadcasting codes Prevented the BBC from designating Hamas as ‘terrorists’ due to the need for accuracy and proper impartiality.
“This is inherently wrong. As a former BBC employee and former member of the DCMS selection committee I am confident that Ofcom guidelines do not prohibit the use of the word ‘terrorist’ when they have committed a terrorist act.
Michael Fabricant’s letter to Ofcom Michael Fabricant MP“Given the clear misinterpretation of Ofcom broadcasting rules, it is my firm belief that Ofcom should advise the Today program to immediately set the record straight and apologize to its listeners.”
Last night, protesters gathered outside the BBC’s headquarters at Broadcasting House to raise their voices over the Beeb’s refusal to label the group terrorists.
Speaking to a GB News reporter, one protester said: “The BBC needs to call terror by its name. King Charles has just given a statement calling Hamas a terrorist.
“It’s not difficult. It’s a very clear line.
“If you commit these kinds of atrocities, you are a terrorist organization.”
GB News has contacted Ofcom for comment.
