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Written question asked by Bob Blackman (Conservative) on Friday, 26 February 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 March 2021. It was answered by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Monday, 8 March 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.


Israel: BBC Arabic Service

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the accuracy of recent reports of bias by the BBC Arabic service in its reporting on Israel.

Answer

We have made no such assessment. It is not for the government to make judgements about perceived impartiality or bias at the BBC, as the BBC is operationally and editorially independent of government. This is a matter for the BBC Board and Ofcom, as the BBC's regulator. Ofcom is responsible for setting rules to ensure BBC coverage is impartial and accurate under the Broadcasting Code and for holding the BBC to account against its public purposes as the BBC regulator.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
159293
Session
2019-21
Related items
BBC Arabic Service
Thursday, 18 March 2021
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Israel BBC Arabic Service
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk