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.
One of the opening lines I had for this post was "I've tried to start this newsletter many times..." It's so hard to distil what to say or how to analyse this. And like you, I have friends on all sides. So much pain.
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.
HI Bettie, thank you for your very thoughtful comment. Believe me, I know some of the failings of agencies and mainstream networks, but certainly all the people I worked with always tried to show as balanced a picture as possible. Whereas I must say this story has made me turn away from social media a little. It's one thing if I'm seeing reports from someone in Gaza who is showing me the reality of life there, but I can do without the instagram lives from young, self-appointed war correspondents. Maybe they're relatable for younger viewers but I really want the context that someone who's been reporting the conflict can give. I also pray for the news headline you ended your comment with
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.
Thanks for your comment Luke. I haven't been watching the AJE output as closely as when I worked there, but your observation doesn't surprise me. The closing down of the London office I feel was a turning point. At the same time, they are an invaluable window into the Arab world. It's important to always be aware of the influences on a channel, but AJE absolutely reflects a reality in the Arab world that we need to be aware of.
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.
And how wonderful! (Just this minute I stumbled upon Sky News en español on YouTube- yes, that’s a thing now - and the first clip was you and a military analyst discussing the war in Gaza. Hey, if anyone was to read the news in three languages, it would be you!)
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.
I think at the core of it is also that relatively few actually understand the complexity of the issue and region. And again, because of language barrier (as in, you need italian speakers overwhelmingly) programmes end up inviting guests that just aren’t up to it. It’s easier to ‘take sides’ than to actually analyse the situation
Yes. It is a sad reality. The children that are the victims here are proof that in war nobody can win . Eye for an eye will make the world go blind as said by The Great Mahatama Gandhi is so appropriate here .
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!
It's a trauma that goes from generation to generation. When I went to Gaza years ago the thing that struck me most was how many children there were. Half the population of Gaza is under 18. You now have an entire generation that knows nothing other than regular bombings, Hamas and lack of hope and prospects.
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.
One of the opening lines I had for this post was "I've tried to start this newsletter many times..." It's so hard to distil what to say or how to analyse this. And like you, I have friends on all sides. So much pain.
You did a good job.
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.
HI Bettie, thank you for your very thoughtful comment. Believe me, I know some of the failings of agencies and mainstream networks, but certainly all the people I worked with always tried to show as balanced a picture as possible. Whereas I must say this story has made me turn away from social media a little. It's one thing if I'm seeing reports from someone in Gaza who is showing me the reality of life there, but I can do without the instagram lives from young, self-appointed war correspondents. Maybe they're relatable for younger viewers but I really want the context that someone who's been reporting the conflict can give. I also pray for the news headline you ended your comment with
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.
Thanks for your comment Luke. I haven't been watching the AJE output as closely as when I worked there, but your observation doesn't surprise me. The closing down of the London office I feel was a turning point. At the same time, they are an invaluable window into the Arab world. It's important to always be aware of the influences on a channel, but AJE absolutely reflects a reality in the Arab world that we need to be aware of.
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.
It's so emotional for so many people. A real sense of despair and dread
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.
Well spotted 😉. Have a few more shifts coming up. What a time to step back into news....
Sorry I seem to have missed this - were you presenting or appearing as a contributor?
Presenting
And how wonderful! (Just this minute I stumbled upon Sky News en español on YouTube- yes, that’s a thing now - and the first clip was you and a military analyst discussing the war in Gaza. Hey, if anyone was to read the news in three languages, it would be you!)
❤️❤️🙏😉
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.
I think at the core of it is also that relatively few actually understand the complexity of the issue and region. And again, because of language barrier (as in, you need italian speakers overwhelmingly) programmes end up inviting guests that just aren’t up to it. It’s easier to ‘take sides’ than to actually analyse the situation
Spot on view as usual. Thanks everyone needs to be sensible and seek peace.
Thank you Paresh. Peace seems a long way away unfortunately
Yes. It is a sad reality. The children that are the victims here are proof that in war nobody can win . Eye for an eye will make the world go blind as said by The Great Mahatama Gandhi is so appropriate here .
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!
It's a trauma that goes from generation to generation. When I went to Gaza years ago the thing that struck me most was how many children there were. Half the population of Gaza is under 18. You now have an entire generation that knows nothing other than regular bombings, Hamas and lack of hope and prospects.
thx