Ofcom’s conclusion that the broadcaster failed in its coverage of an anti-Semitic incident speaks volumes about its handling of criticism
Last month, the BBC launched a social media campaign to mark its centenary, #ThisIsOurBBC. One tweet informs us proudly: “If you know how it’s made, you can trust what it says. Trust is Earned.”
With perfect but presumably unintended comic timing, last week also saw the release of devastating findings from broadcasting regulator Ofcom’s ten-month long inquiry into the BBC’s reporting of an attack on Jewish children in Oxford Street last November. It found that the BBC was guilty of “serious” editorial failures in its coverage and that it had caused “significant distress” to Jews.
It is worth considering the details of the BBC’s behaviour because, though this is one specific case, it epitomises how the corporation reacts when confronted with its mistakes. Unlike most race hate crimes, this attack on Jewish children celebrating Chanukah was filmed and the video went viral after the Jewish Chronicle reported the incident. It was clear and unambiguous – and showed the reality of anti-Semitism on our streets.
But the Jewish community’s fears about the attack were soon added to by astonishment – and deep anger – over the BBC’s reporting of it. It included the line: “A slur about Muslims can also be heard from inside the bus. The Met Police has said the incident will be looked at ‘in its entirety’.” In its online report, the BBC referred to more than one slur: “some racial slurs” could be heard.