Thank you for this. I have started and deleted so many posts on FB in the last week but you have perfectly put into words much that I’ve been feeling. I have friends living in communities on both sides of this conflict and all I can say is that extremists on both sides always make the innocent suffer the most. Let’s hope this is over soon.
Thank you Barbara. Here we are lucky to have access to AJ, BBC, CNN, Sky, NDTV and EuroNews (as well as SA based channels that mostly get syndicated bits from international channels). It is possible to get a balanced view if one goes to the effort of watching a cross section of these channels but to my amasement, the best unbiased source of reading about the deeper nuances and origins of the conflict is the English online version of Indian Express newpaper. I may be baised as I worked for a newsprint media company for many years, but many times issues are just clearer in "print".
The worrysome trend we picked up in news coverage since last week's and ongoing attacks, is the not so subtle propaganda that big news agencies allow through. I guess that speaks to your point about their specific audiences but for me it also speaks to why so many turn to alternatives like social media, away from mainstream tv channels, which ironically in turn makes them susceptible to false news. The point being that if mainstream tv news channels were better at reporting news instead of trying to "sensationalise" news for audience sake, they would fare much better in consistently being trusted sources of information.
Our hope for Israel and Palestine is that sense will prevail and de-escalation will be possible in the coming days, and that THAT will be the news headlines.
Excellent article Barbara, as always. You are absolutely correct that there is so much nuance, often missed completely, to this awful story.
I must admit to being a bit disappointed by AJ English. Their coverage seems at times to be almost sympathetic towards Hamas, with the atrocities in Israel almost an afterthought. And the opinion pieces! The gist is essentially ‘the West is bad, glory to Palestine!’
I guess - again - it’s realpolitik. With Qatar being somewhat friendly towards Hamas I’m sure that’s going to show up in AJ’s coverage on some level. Though I’m just a viewer - you worked there so you’ve probably forgotten more than I know about their editorial process! That’s partly why I miss the London bulletins you (and others) hosted - they were a valuable difference in perspective, even on the same channel.
Thank you Barbara, for this wise, measured and moving account of the turbulence we all feel now - emotional, intellectual, even spiritual - and for the helpful tips on how to stay well informed.
Thank you Barbara. I see you are on Sky News tonight. Wow! Yes I also prefer established media houses and am not too impressed by 'open source' media. I get stuff on X but prefer to avoid because of the propensity to attract hate speech if I comment. My question is what did Hamas expect to achieve by this attack on Israel especially invasion of civilian kibbutzes, other than create terror? What a tragedy, both sides. I don't see any solution. With such 'leaders' involved being hot heads and dodgy to say the least, I have no hope. All the best, David.
The way most Italian media are portraying the situation is disgraceful. Is sheer propaganda. This is due the fact that most of them are in the hand of few, big economic and financial groups, with their special interest that hinder free, independent journalism.
As you said, this story is indeed painful to follow. I'm just So sad for everyone, especially the children and teenagers on both sides who are exposed to this. Thank you Barbara for your great advice!
Thank you for this. I have started and deleted so many posts on FB in the last week but you have perfectly put into words much that I’ve been feeling. I have friends living in communities on both sides of this conflict and all I can say is that extremists on both sides always make the innocent suffer the most. Let’s hope this is over soon.
Thank you Barbara. Here we are lucky to have access to AJ, BBC, CNN, Sky, NDTV and EuroNews (as well as SA based channels that mostly get syndicated bits from international channels). It is possible to get a balanced view if one goes to the effort of watching a cross section of these channels but to my amasement, the best unbiased source of reading about the deeper nuances and origins of the conflict is the English online version of Indian Express newpaper. I may be baised as I worked for a newsprint media company for many years, but many times issues are just clearer in "print".
The worrysome trend we picked up in news coverage since last week's and ongoing attacks, is the not so subtle propaganda that big news agencies allow through. I guess that speaks to your point about their specific audiences but for me it also speaks to why so many turn to alternatives like social media, away from mainstream tv channels, which ironically in turn makes them susceptible to false news. The point being that if mainstream tv news channels were better at reporting news instead of trying to "sensationalise" news for audience sake, they would fare much better in consistently being trusted sources of information.
Our hope for Israel and Palestine is that sense will prevail and de-escalation will be possible in the coming days, and that THAT will be the news headlines.
Thank you Barbara your thoughts are enlightening.
Excellent article Barbara, as always. You are absolutely correct that there is so much nuance, often missed completely, to this awful story.
I must admit to being a bit disappointed by AJ English. Their coverage seems at times to be almost sympathetic towards Hamas, with the atrocities in Israel almost an afterthought. And the opinion pieces! The gist is essentially ‘the West is bad, glory to Palestine!’
I guess - again - it’s realpolitik. With Qatar being somewhat friendly towards Hamas I’m sure that’s going to show up in AJ’s coverage on some level. Though I’m just a viewer - you worked there so you’ve probably forgotten more than I know about their editorial process! That’s partly why I miss the London bulletins you (and others) hosted - they were a valuable difference in perspective, even on the same channel.
Thank you Barbara, for this wise, measured and moving account of the turbulence we all feel now - emotional, intellectual, even spiritual - and for the helpful tips on how to stay well informed.
Thank you Barbara. I see you are on Sky News tonight. Wow! Yes I also prefer established media houses and am not too impressed by 'open source' media. I get stuff on X but prefer to avoid because of the propensity to attract hate speech if I comment. My question is what did Hamas expect to achieve by this attack on Israel especially invasion of civilian kibbutzes, other than create terror? What a tragedy, both sides. I don't see any solution. With such 'leaders' involved being hot heads and dodgy to say the least, I have no hope. All the best, David.
The way most Italian media are portraying the situation is disgraceful. Is sheer propaganda. This is due the fact that most of them are in the hand of few, big economic and financial groups, with their special interest that hinder free, independent journalism.
Spot on view as usual. Thanks everyone needs to be sensible and seek peace.
As you said, this story is indeed painful to follow. I'm just So sad for everyone, especially the children and teenagers on both sides who are exposed to this. Thank you Barbara for your great advice!
thx