Well, well, BBC

This is the first notice that caught my eye:

Panel: BBC reports misleading
BBC coverage of Mideast conflict inconsistent, but no evidence of systematic bias

The BBC does not "consistently give a full and fair account" when it comes to covering the Middle East conflict, a British report published on Tuesday charges.

The report, ordered by the BBC to examine claims of bias, was prepared by five independent figures.

The evidence examined points to the "elusiveness of editorial planning, grip and oversight," the report said. "In short, we found that BBC output does not consistently give a full and fair account of the conflict. In some ways the picture is incomplete and, in that sense, misleading." Overall, the report said, there was stronger evidence of pro-Israel bias compared to pro-Palestinian bias.

However, the report said there was no evidence of systematic bias in covering the Mideast conflict, but urged the British corporation to call terrorism by name when appropriate.

"We say that the BBC should get the language right. We think they should call terrorist acts 'terrorism' because that term is clear and well understood," the report said, but noted that "our assessment is that, apart from individual lapses, there was little to suggest deliberate or systematic bias."

The panel tasked with preparing the report also noted some gaps existed in analyzing and relating certain events without providing proper context or history.

The panel was formed following complaints about partial reports when it came to BBC news broadcasts. Panel Chairman Sir Quentin Thomas said that evidence showed the BBC's "commitment to be fair, accurate and impartial," but said the corporation should aim for even higher standards.

So I went to the BBC site and looked and looked and there it was, at the bottom of their home page, under "Entertainment". ????!!!!

So I extracted this for my readers:-

Broadcast news lacked historical background, stories were often not put in the wider context and there was insufficient analysis and interpretation of important events and issues, the report said.

The range of stories and perspectives was too narrow and reporters' use of language was often inconsistent, it decided.

That included the use of the words "terrorism" and "terrorist". The BBC advises its journalists to avoid the latter because it can be "a barrier to understanding".

But the panel said the BBC should use "terrorism" to describe violence against civilians with the intention of causing terror for ideological objectives, "whether perpetrated by state or non-state agencies".

"It seems clear that placing a bomb on a bus used by civilians intending death or injury in supposed furtherance of a cause is a terrorist act and no other expression conveys so tersely and accurately the elements involved."

I know that I argued this with the panel members when they visited my home here in Shiloh.

And it continues with a bit of 'media spin' that's really professional, I must say:-

BBC chairman Michael Grade responded to the report by saying the finding of no deliberate or systematic bias was "reassuring".

"The panel found much to praise, but it also identified some shortcomings in the BBC's coverage," he said.

"We have asked BBC management to consider the panel's recommendations and respond to us at our June board meeting."

He added the corporation must continually demonstrate its efforts to meet the highest editorial standards because impartiality was the most important safeguard of the BBC's editorial independence.

A statement from BBC News management pointed to "recent developments to strengthen performance" such as the appointment of Jeremy Bowen as Middle East editor and a major training programme. "We are pleased the panel commends the quality and authority of our reporting from the Jerusalem bureau," it said.

"We agree there is more we can do to provide greater context and understanding for audiences on the conflict.

"We are confident we have the right editorial structures and processes in place to provide high quality, impartial journalism and to ensure we continue to make progress in developing the authority and comprehensiveness of our output."

"Their contribution will assist the BBC in providing the best possible news coverage for licence fee payers."

BBC executives will now prepare a plan for the governors detailing how they intend to implement "appropriate recommendations".

The complete report, 38 pages, is here.

One point I caught:

At page 35, 5.26 d, they use the term "settlement communities".

I would call that progress as that was one specific point I emphasized.