Watan-Renowned British journalist Jonathan Dimbleby has accused the Royal Television Society (RTS) of cowardice after it canceled an award meant to honor the bravery of journalists reporting from Gaza. The decision was made following controversy over a BBC documentary aired last month.
Dimbleby, a historian and former BBC current affairs editor, was among 300 media professionals who signed a letter condemning RTS for withdrawing the award due to backlash over the documentary “Gaza: How to Survive in the Heart of War.”
The BBC was forced to remove the film from its iPlayer service under pressure from pro-Israel groups and criticism from the Israeli ambassador, mainly because its lead narrator, Abdullah Al-Yazouri, is the son of a Hamas government official in Gaza.
Industry Backlash and Media Protest
According to The Times, journalist Alex Farber reported that the decision to cancel the award sparked outrage within UK Screen Industry, a professional association for the television and film sector. The group argued that the documentary’s controversy had nothing to do with the journalists covering Gaza on the ground.
Among those who signed the letter criticizing RTS were:
- Alex Crawford – Special Correspondent for Sky News
- Lindsey Hilsum – International Editor at Channel 4
- Rohit Kachroo – International Security Editor at ITV
Dimbleby: “A Cowardly Decision That Undermines Journalism”
Dimbleby, 80, called on RTS to explain its reasoning, stating:
“This is a cowardly decision. The justification given—controversy over a BBC documentary—is weak and superficial. No journalist working in Gaza was involved in making that film.”
He emphasized the importance of the RTS Journalism Awards, describing them as “far from the self-congratulatory celebrity prizes” and highlighting the essential role of journalists risking their lives in Gaza.
“We rely heavily on the reports from journalists in Gaza who put their lives on the line daily because Western journalists are only allowed in through tightly controlled, military-supervised tours arranged by the Israeli army.”
Dimbleby added:”The RTS Journalism Award is highly respected. Backing down due to fear of controversy is both cowardly and unwise.”
Resignations and Calls for Reversal
The signatories warned that RTS had undermined its commitment to journalism, noting that the decision led to six resignations from its board.
“We urge RTS to reconsider its stance and recognize the extraordinary efforts of these journalists. This award is meant to honor achievements that go beyond traditional categories.”
Former BBC commissioner Fatima Salaria also criticized the decision, calling it “deeply disappointing”:
“Journalists in Gaza work under unimaginable conditions and risk their lives daily to bring real stories to the world.”
Journalists Killed in Gaza and Lebanon Since War Began
At least 171 journalists have been killed in Gaza and Lebanon since the war began on October 7, 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Reports suggest that RTS canceled the award out of concerns that presenting it could trigger further controversy or be perceived as undermining or politicizing the work of Gaza journalists.
An RTS spokesperson defended the decision, stating:”There have been recent investigations into multiple news reports from Gaza. Since these investigations are still ongoing, we did not find it appropriate to proceed with awarding the prize this year.”
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