Complaint
This edition featured interviews with a Palestinian pastor and a rabbi who works with Israeli soldiers about an anticipated ceasefire in Gaza. A listener complained the interviews showed a lack of impartiality and failed to sufficiently challenge the rabbi on his views about the behaviour of Israeli soldiers. The ECU consider whether the broadcast met the relevant standards set out in the BBC Editorial Guidelines.
Outcome
There is no absolute test for impartiality against which all BBC output can be judged; it depends on context. No two interviews will be the same, not least because the questions will be guided by the answers offered. The ECU considered there was no obligation on the presenter to replicate the exact line of questioning for both guests but noted the focus throughout was on issues of faith and whether religion had been a help or a hindrance in reaching a peaceful solution. This was a legitimate choice for the programme-makers, and whilst questions relating to the Israeli Government and the behaviour of its soldiers might have been worthwhile (and relevant, given the rabbi’s relationship with the armed forces), they were not required for due impartiality to be maintained.
Not Upheld