Ofcom to Intervene in BBC's Gaza Documentary Probe

Ofcom Expresses Concerns

Britain's TV watchdog, Ofcom, has vowed to intervene in the BBC's Gaza documentary probe. Ofcom chief Lord Grade of Yarmouth wrote to Beeb bosses expressing concerns over the "nature of the failings" surrounding the Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone film.

Concerns Over Child Narrator

The BBC sparked an uproar after it emerged that the documentary's child narrator is the son of a senior Hamas terrorist. Counterterrorism cops are considering launching an investigation into whether the BBC broke the law by paying taxpayer cash to a family member of the Hamas minister.

Ofcom's Stance

In his letter, Lord Grade said Ofcom supports the broadcaster's decision to probe the documentary internally "at this stage." However, Ofcom has ongoing concerns about the nature and gravity of the failings and the negative impact they have on the trust audiences place in the BBC's journalism.

What's Next

Ofcom will expect regular updates from the BBC regarding both timeframes and progress and reserves the right to step in with its powers if necessary. It is crucial that the causes of the errors are investigated and that systems are put in place to prevent recurrence.

Grilling by MPs

BBC director-general Tim Davie and chairman Samir Shah will face a grilling by MPs on the Commons Culture, Media and Sport committee today. They will be probed on the documentary and other issues affecting the organization, including the licence fee.