The BBC Board of Governors formally responded to the independent commission that investigated the Beeb’s Mideast coverage, announcing a plan of action which balks at using the word “terror:”
We do not, however, think that the search for consistency can be achieved through the panel’s own definition of ‘terrorism.’ The panel suggests that the term should be used “in respect of relevant events since it is the most accurate expression for actions which involve violence against randomly selected civilians with the intention of causing terror for ideological, including political or religious objectives, whether perpetrated by state or non-state agencies.”
As some commentators have pointed out, such a definition would, for example, exclude attacks on soldiers. It would in our view, introduce the very value judgments the guidance to the Editorial Guidelines is asking us to avoid….
In the absence of an agreed definition, we think that our present formulation is preferable in the interests of a consistent approach which we will make renewed efforts to uphold….
The rest of the plan of action includes–among other things–a new West Bank correspondent, a trial web site series to “explore background and context” to the Mideast conflict, as well as more frequent reviews of coverage by editors. The governors are also satisfied with the complaints procedure as is.
So if you’re hoping for the BBC to change, don’t hold your breath. See also Melanie Phillips’ take.
