The Royal Television Society (RTS) is under fire after its decision to withdraw a special recognition award intended for journalists reporting from Gaza at its annual Television Journalism Awards. The move has sparked accusations of censorship and political bias, with critics arguing that it undermines the sacrifices made by Palestinian journalists working in perilous conditions.
Award Controversy and BBC Documentary Backlash
The RTS, a British educational charity established in 1927 to promote television journalism and broadcasting, originally planned to honor Gaza-based journalists for their bravery in covering the ongoing conflict. However, the organization decided to scrap the award following controversy surrounding a BBC documentary, Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone.
The BBC pulled the documentary from its iPlayer platform after it emerged that the film’s teenage narrator, Abdullah al-Yazouri, was the son of Ayman Alyazouri, Hamas’s deputy minister of agriculture. The revelation led to accusations that the film lacked editorial impartiality. Amid the fallout, RTS decided to cancel the award, reportedly to avoid “adding fuel to the fire.”
However, additional reports suggest that the BBC’s decision to withdraw the documentary was influenced by external Israeli pressure. There have been allegations that the BBC faced lobbying efforts from pro-Israel groups, contributing to the retraction of the film. This highlights growing concerns about BBC censorship, particularly regarding the suppression of documentaries that expose the impact of the Israeli military campaign on Palestinian civilians, including children.
Adrian Wells, chair of the RTS Television Journalism Awards, explained that the organization wanted to steer clear of escalating tensions. However, this justification has been met with fierce criticism from media professionals and human rights advocates.
Criticism and Accusations of Bias
Many journalists and media figures have condemned RTS’s decision, calling it a betrayal of Gaza-based reporters who continue to risk their lives covering the war. Ben de Pear, former editor of Channel 4 News, described the decision as “spineless,” arguing that journalists in Gaza were being punished for editorial issues that arose in the UK. Critics argue that the RTS’s decision effectively silences the experiences of Palestinian reporters who work under extreme conditions, often without adequate safety protections.
In contrast, RTS went forward with other controversial nominations. Notably, the organization nominated Gaza-based journalist Hind Khoudary for its “Emerging Talent” award, despite allegations that she has previously expressed support for individuals associated with militant groups. Her nomination has drawn scrutiny, with some questioning RTS’s broader selection process.
Escalating Dangers for Journalists in Gaza
The controversy surrounding the RTS’s decision comes amid a perilous environment for journalists in Gaza. Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, Israel has banned foreign journalists from entering Gaza, severely restricting independent reporting on the humanitarian crisis. This has drawn widespread condemnation from international press organizations, who argue that such measures suppress the truth about conditions on the ground.
Furthermore, Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 200 journalists and media workers in Gaza, making this the deadliest conflict for journalists in recent history. Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists have condemned the killings, calling for independent investigations into whether these deaths constitute war crimes. Press freedom advocates have also criticized the lack of international accountability regarding targeted attacks on media personnel.
The Royal Television Society’s Role in the Industry
Founded nearly a century ago, the RTS serves as a key institution in the British media landscape. It provides a platform for industry discussion, awards excellence in television, and publishes the Television magazine, which covers a range of topics related to broadcasting and journalism. Among its high-profile events, the RTS Television Journalism Awards stand out as a key annual occasion, celebrating reporting excellence across the industry.
The RTS also holds a notable royal connection—Charles III is the Royal Patron of the Royal Television Society, highlighting its status and influence within the UK media landscape.
It is unclear whether King Charles III was asked by the RTS first, about cancelling this Gaza media award. Last February, his son Prince William called for an “end to the fighting as soon as possible”, in a strongly worded intervention on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
In response to the prince, the now disgraced former-Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy said: “Israelis of course want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible, and that will be possible once the 134 hostages are released, and once the Hamas terror army threatening to repeat the 7 October atrocities is dismantled.”
It is estimated that Israel since killed over 50,000 civilians in Gaza, mainly women and children. Over 17,000 children have been recorded as having been killed by Israel, with many more missing.
The recent controversy has put a spotlight on RTS’s decision-making process, with calls for greater transparency in award nominations. The society has acknowledged the backlash and is reportedly reviewing its selection criteria.
The RTS’s decision to retract the Gaza journalism award has ignited a heated debate about the role of media institutions in recognizing frontline journalists. While some argue that the decision was necessary given the broader controversy surrounding the BBC documentary, others see it as a failure to support journalists operating in one of the most dangerous reporting environments in the world.
As the debate continues, press freedom advocates stress the importance of honoring those who risk their lives to report the truth, regardless of political sensitivities. The situation underscores the need for media institutions to stand in solidarity with journalists who face unprecedented risks in conflict zones, ensuring their sacrifices are recognized and their safety prioritized.
