Jewish leaders attack ‘misleading reports’ in BBC coverage of Israel

Jewish leaders have attackeed “misleading reports” in the BBC’s news coverage of Israel, but thanked the Beeb’s bosses for their live broadcasting on Holocaust Memorial Day.

The objections were raised in a meeting on Monday between James Harding, BBC Head of News, and representatives from the Board of Deputies.

“We raised strong concerns about misleading headlines in reports about attacks in Israel, the lack of reports about a large number of attacks and an almost total lack of reporting about incitement and corruption in the Palestinian Authority,” said Board president Jonathan Arkush.

“We conveyed to Mr Harding fully and clearly the feeling within the Jewish community about these matters. The BBC said they were open to dialogue and we intend to pursue the conversation with the BBC on a regular basis.”

Arkush met Harding together with Board chief executive Gillian Merron and officer David Walsh, in the first such face-to-face encounter with senior corporation leaders since BBC Director of Television Danny Cohen stepped down last year.

Beyond their “misgivings” about Israel, the Board “recognised the role played by the BBC in national life” and “thanked Mr Harding for the live broadcast on Holocaust Memorial Day”.

It follows a Board meeting with Sky News bosses last November, at which coverage of Israel was also discussed.