ITC Clears Controversial Carlton Documentary
The ITC has dismissed complaints against Carlton’s controversial documentary on the Middle East conflict, Palestine Is Still The Issue: A Special Report By John Pilger, despite receiving 116 complaints.
As well as causing outrage, the film, which was screened on ITV1 last September at 11.05pm, also prompted 553 people to contact the ITC to express their support for the programme. Following this the ITC felt that the volume of both complaints and support for the show suggested an orchestrated campaign on both sides.
The documentary, which condemned Israeli injustices towards the Palestinians and argued that they were at the root of the Middle East conflict, attracted a great deal of media attention, despite being screened late at night.
The broadcast provoked Carlton’s chairman, Michael Green, to publicly condemn the programme in the Jewish Chronicle, a move which caused uproar in Carlton’s factual programme making unit. John Pilger criticised Green and claimed his actions brought “an unforeseen threat to the freedom of speech in British broadcasting.”
The programme makers at Carlton supported Pilger, telling the ITC: “He has always aimed to reach behind the standard news stereotypes in order to dismantle myths, reveal a reality and give a voice to the voiceless. His films often tell truths that are unpalatable for different groups and often cause discomfort to governments and special interest groups.”
The ITC also highlighted the importance of factual programming and its belief in the importance of investigative journalism having a place in mainstream schedules. It also noted that “due impartiality does not require absolute neutrality on every issue or detachment from fundamental democratic principles.”
In conclusion the ITC noted that Carlton provided persuasive evidence of the care and thoroughness of the films reporting and gave adequate opportunity for the expression of pro-Israeli perspective.
ITC: 0207 306 7743 www.itc.org.uk
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