BBC journalist John Ware has claimed that there is a “deficit” in the corporation’s coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The award-winning investigative journalist, who worked on the BBC public affairs programme Panorama from 1986 to 2012, was speaking at the Wizo Commitment Awards event on Monday night.
Mr Ware, who was presented with the Media Award by JC editor Stephen Pollard, told the audience: “I think there have been problems with the BBC’s coverage [of Israel].
“I think the BBC has got it wrong sometimes, but I think it has improved.
“It’s a very complex conflict. You are required to put yourself into each side’s head and report how each side sees the other without showing your slip – and that is not easy.”
He said the BBC had failed to scrutinise the Palestinian side of the conflict.
“I do think there is a deficit – and it’s a point I have often made to the BBC,” he added.
“Western media outlets as a whole, do not [look at] the individuals and culture of the Palestinian side of the conflict anything like the same extent the Israeli side is scrutinised.
“I think that is a deficit and needs to be dealt with.
“I think if it was dealt with people would have a much better understanding of the more polarised positions that people think the Israelis take.”
Mr Pollard said: “There are reporters, good journalists and there is John Ware.
“John is in a different league to most journalists. I tell our trainees at the JC, that if there is one person they should model themselves on, it is John Ware.
“John is a font of knowledge, he is trustworthy, he is reliable, he does all his research.
“Apart from being the most brilliant journalist that I am aware of in this country, John is also a mensch.”
At the event, winners were co-presented with an award by the category’s sponsor and businessman Claude Littner.
The Wizo Commitment Awards winners were:
Commitment to Media Award
● John Ware is one of the country's leading investigative journalists, who in recent years has made a series of agenda-settting programmes for the BBC on Islamist entryism and terrorism. His work was described as "courageous, independent yet broadly sympathetic to Jewish concerns". The judges commended Mr Ware for his calm authority and encyclopaedic knowledge of Islamist extremism.
Commitment to the Betterment of Others Award for 16-25-year-olds
● Orli Shoshana West has been volunteering for many years on a variety of different programmes. She has also volunteered to help a boy with ADHD and now has expanded her work with Norwood on its Unity programme for five to 11-year-olds. She is planning a sky dive to raise £500. The judges said she had "shown how an individual's one-to-one support can make such a significant difference to those around her".
Commitment to Environmental Innovation Award
● Founder and director of the award-winning GabiH20 company, Avi Djanogly is dedicated to promoting water efficiency to children. His firm has partnered Nickleodeon to introduce the UK's first TV animated character teaching children how to be smarter about water. Mr Djanogly designs games, apps, videos, music and competitions to appeal to youngsters. The judges praised GabiH20's "unique approach to environmental education".
Commitment to High Tech Award
● Deborah Gundle established the Netbuddy website in 2010 as a resource for families, carers and professionals, supporting those with learning difficulties. The site provides a forum to share tips, knowledge and practical suggestions for caring for someone with special needs. Netbuddy, which now has 6,000 users a month, has joined with Scope, a charity for the disabled, to create a nationwide online community.Judges said Netbuddy fills a significant gap for parents and carers.
Commitment to Diversity and Tolerance Award
● This Bristol-based group Salaam Shalom, set up in 2006 by Martin Vegoda, is one of the few working to promote understanding and dialogue between Muslims and Jews. Its initial project, an internet radio station, was a world first. Its educational initiatives with schools have attempted to engage young people in constructive interaction between the two communities.
Commitment to Education Award
● FUSION Gateways, founded by Laurence Field, Alan Fell and Louise Jacobs and run by Mr Field, is a vocational development programme for young people aged 15-plus from difficult backgrounds, chiefly from the Orthodox community. The judges said Gateways provided "a very important bridge for the Orthodox community to find support… to deal with some heartbreaking situations".
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