Israel is at the centre of a battle for public opinion, with the media (both traditional and online) as the battlefield. Because the media can influence public opinion, which directly affects foreign policy towards Israel, it is important to be alert to biased or unbalanced reporting.
Don’t assume that everything you read in the media about Israel is factually accurate. It is always best to double check reports with authoritative sources. Similarly, when making the case for Israel, make sure any facts or figures you cite are from reputable sources and will stand up to scrutiny.
A good starting point is BICOM’s website: has background information and links to other websites has up-to-the-minute analysis and facts about events as they unfold.
Primary sources for news about Israel include:
How to complain about anti-Israel bias in the media
You can complain about biased or offensive media coverage using the following routes:
Print media
If you have a complaint about coverage you have seen in a newspaper or magazine, the first step is to email or write to the editor. If they do not respond within a week or if you are not satisfied with their response, you can consider making a complaint to
IPSO - Independent Press Standards Organisation - https://www.ipso.co.uk/ which regulates these publications: https://www.ipso.co.uk/about-ipso/who-ipso-regulates/
Or
IMPRESS - Independent Press Regulator - http://impress.press/ which regulates these publications: http://impress.press/complaints/regulated-publishers.html
Television and radio
If you would like to make a complaint about something you’ve seen or heard on TV and radio, you can complain to the broadcaster directly or you can complain to the industry regulator, Ofcom. Many broadcasters will have information on how to complain on their websites. If you have seen a TV or radio programme scheduled you want to complain about that hasn’t been broadcast yet, you will need to complain to the broadcaster directly, as Ofcom only deals with complaints after a programme has been aired.
Contact Ofcom
Tel: 020 7981 3040 or 0300 123 3333
Or complain via their website: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/how-to-report-a-complaint
BBC
If you want to praise or complain about BBC coverage:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/
Tel: 03700 100222
ITV
If you want to praise or complain about ITV coverage:
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 0344 881 4150
Channel 4:
Comment on Channel 4 programmes here: http://www.channel4.com/4viewers/contact-us
five:
Comment on five programmes:
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 03457 050505 or 020 3580 3600
Sky:
To comment on Sky programmes:
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 03442 410 265