NUJ statement on Johnston report
The union has welcomed publication of a review into the BBC documentary Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone.
The report published on 14 July recognises the BBC breached editorial guidelines on accuracy. In response to a request by Tim Davie, BBC director general, the review conducted by Peter Johnston includes a series of recommendations for consideration by the broadcaster.
Laura Davison, NUJ general secretary, said:
“We welcome the long-awaited publication of this important, detailed report. With significant public interest in the events unfolding in Gaza, the BBC’s journalism plays a crucial role. Recommendations identified in the report must now be seriously considered with clear, resourced plans in place to avoid repeat incidents.
“Audiences rightly expect transparency to lie at the heart of the BBC, and a failure to ensure this risks the reputation of both journalists and the organisation itself. The BBC’s acknowledgment of the findings is important and will be welcomed by licence fee payers who hold it to high standards.”