WordsByPhinn

A BBC article written by Ian Youngs and Paul Glynn and published in October 2023 discusses why the broadcaster refuses to use the word terrorist when talking about Hamas and their actions in the ongoing Israel and Palestine conflict. BBC stated that they refuse to use the word “terrorist” when speaking about Hamas in their articles because to them it is taking a side in the conflict. BBC continues to double down on this belief by saying “The BBC’s job is to place the facts before its audience and let them decide what they think, honestly and without ranting.” In their pursuit of writing only the objective facts for their audience to come to their own conclusions BBC left many others outraged. The UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps was somebody who voiced his disapproval very loudly when he said BBC’s policy is “verging on disgraceful” since Hamas are “plain and simple terrorists”. This debate is split between BBC believing using terms like terrorist eliminates objectivity and allows for bias while the other side believe Hamas are terrorists and should be referred to as such.

I personally agree with BBC on this issue because I also believe that broadcasters should be objective as possible during their reporting and let everyone personally make their own opinions through it. Referring to a person or a group of people as terrorists clearly takes a side against them and in such a controversial and complex topic allowing for bias and taking sides like that coming from such a large broadcaster can absolutely sway the public’c opinion. I understand how some people can be outraged as many do believe that Hamas are terrorists but in my opinion they are so strong about that opinion because it was all they heard from other broadcasters. When everyone has to look at the facts and come to their own conclusions there is more room for debate then a biased statement being presented as fact. I am glad the BBC is so resilient with this policy of being very careful with their langauge and hope to see other broadcasters follow suit in the future.