The Board of Deputies of British Jews is intensifying pressure on the BBC regarding its reporting on the Gaza conflict. In a recent meeting with BBC Director General Tim Davie, the organization urged the broadcaster to take immediate action by Passover.
Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board, criticized the BBC's coverage, stating it is "not good enough." He pointed out that the Board has long expressed concerns about the BBC’s portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, claiming there have been numerous inaccuracies over the past 17 months.
The Board has made specific demands, including a commitment to review the BBC's reporting since the October 7 attacks. They are particularly focused on addressing issues that they claim contribute to a climate of hostility toward Jewish communities in the UK.
In response, a BBC spokesperson acknowledged the concerns raised by the Board while defending the organization's editorial standards and commitment to accuracy in its reporting. The Board has set a firm deadline for the BBC to address these issues by April 12, which coincides with the start of Passover.
Additionally, the BBC is actively engaging with various community groups to better understand their concerns and to ensure that its reporting is as balanced and fair as possible. They highlighted ongoing efforts to address any perceived gaps in representation and are committed to maintaining open lines of communication with stakeholders to build trust.