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Middle East Eye
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
British Jewish journalists call for Israel to allow media access to Gaza
Leading British Jewish journalists have signed a letter calling on Israel to allow foreign media access to the Gaza Strip. The letter, signed by ITV political editor Robert Peston and The News Agents hosts Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel among others, also criticised Egypt's restrictions on access through the Rafah crossing. "We note that local media have done an extraordinary job reporting on events while themselves being displaced, hungry and at constant risk, but they should not carry this burden alone," reads the letter, printed in the trade magazine Press Gazette on Thursday. "As journalists and editors, who are also Jews, we see Israel's and Egypt's refusal to allow such access as unjustified and unjustifiable, and as an unacceptable restriction on our professional responsibility to inform readers, viewers and listeners accurately and impartially." Since the beginning of the war on Gaza in October 2023, Israel has prevented foreign media access to the enclave with the exception of a small number of heavily controlled and curated trips. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters More than 200 journalists have been killed over the course of the war, which the Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ) says has "killed more journalists over the course of a year than in any other conflict CPJ has documented". Rights groups and unions such as the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate have accused the Israeli army of pursuing a systematic policy of targeting journalists and their families. Ignore Starmer's theatrics. Gaza's trail of blood leads straight to his door Read More » Israel has repeatedly justified the exclusion of journalists from the Gaza Strip on the grounds that it is unsafe, a claim that has been dismissed by media outlets. "To suggest that the safety of journalists cannot be guaranteed is not a reason to deny access. International journalists are aware of the risks," read the Press Gazette letter. "These risks are for them to manage as they do all too frequently in conflict zones around the world. That is their job and that is their calling: to report from some of the most troubled places in the hope that humanity will not avert its eyes." On Thursday, the Palestinian health ministry confirmed that at least 16,503 children had been killed by Israeli attacks since the Israeli war on Gaza began on 7 October 2023. Among them were 916 infants under the age of one. In a statement, the ministry said the numbers "do not merely represent innocent lives lost" but reveal a "humanitarian catastrophe" and the "targeting of an entire generation". It called for global action, asking the international community, human rights groups, and aid agencies to "stop the aggression immediately" and hold Israeli occupation leaders accountable for crimes against civilians.
The Independent
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Regional journalists use palace reception to stress importance of local news
Veteran local news reporters have used a royal reception to make the case to the King for regional journalism's survival. The King and Queen hosted 400 guests from various UK news organisations at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to show support for local news. Charles was welcomed by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and a gathering of leading media professionals, including Tony James, 89, thought to be the UK's oldest working journalist. Mr James, who still writes for the West Somerset Free Press, told the King that local journalism – despite its struggles to stay relevant and profitable in the online world – remains 'very valuable'. He added: 'Print journalism is being phased out – it's been destroyed by digital, which is a great shame.' Some 293 local newspapers closed down between 2005 and 2024, according to research from the Press Gazette. BBC presenter Sally Taylor, 69, the longest-serving female presenter at the corporation, sparked laughter with a remark about her decades on screen. Ms Taylor, who has presented BBC South Today for nearly 40 years, said: 'It was lovely talking with the King. 'We shared a good joke – I said, 'Forty years, not bad for an old bird,' and he laughed.' ITV News producer Rob McNulty showed the King rare footage from nearly 50 years ago of Charles bringing HMS Bronington into Workington Harbour. Mr McNulty, 49, unearthed the reels from the University of Cumbria's archive. He said: 'I had the video teed up on my phone, ready in my pocket. I wasn't sure if you're supposed to get your phone out — but he didn't object. 'He remembered the visit and even recalled going to the Workington Working Men's Club. It was a great moment.' Charles, who has been an honorary life member of the London Press Club since 1978, told those gathered: 'I have long believed that regional media, in all its forms, has a unique and vital role to play in society, perhaps even more so in these uncertain times.' He recalled his speech in 2002, marking the 300th anniversary of Britain's first daily national newspaper, in which he said the press, alongside other long-standing institutions, were at the forefront of 'defining, describing and celebrating the more profound values of our nation'. 'Two decades on, when too much focus is given to that which divides us, that role for your whole industry is more important than ever – and it starts from the ground up, at local level, in your hands', he said. 'Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share. 'It shines a light in dark corners, exposing injustice and wrongdoing.' He added: 'Above all, it helps strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow. 'You won't always get it right: A free media is one that will and does make mistakes, but at its best it is a cornerstone of our democracy.' The King recognised that many outlets have adapted to a changed media landscape that has been affected by 'commercial pressures and changing technologies'. This included by finding ways to engage audiences in 'new and creative' ways. He added: 'It is in everyone's interests that you should succeed. For without a thriving and financially robust regional media, we would all be the poorer.' Camilla is patron of The Journalists' Charity as well as the Guild of St Bride's, which is based at St Bride's Church on Fleet Street and is otherwise known as the journalists' church.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Regional journalists use palace reception to stress importance of local news
Veteran local news reporters have used a royal reception to make the case to the King for regional journalism's survival. The King and Queen hosted 400 guests from various UK news organisations at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to show support for local news. Charles was welcomed by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and a gathering of leading media professionals, including Tony James, 89, thought to be the UK's oldest working journalist. Mr James, who still writes for the West Somerset Free Press, told the King that local journalism – despite its struggles to stay relevant and profitable in the online world – remains 'very valuable'. He added: 'Print journalism is being phased out – it's been destroyed by digital, which is a great shame.' Some 293 local newspapers closed down between 2005 and 2024, according to research from the Press Gazette. BBC presenter Sally Taylor, 69, the longest-serving female presenter at the corporation, sparked laughter with a remark about her decades on screen. Ms Taylor, who has presented BBC South Today for nearly 40 years, said: 'It was lovely talking with the King. 'We shared a good joke – I said, 'Forty years, not bad for an old bird,' and he laughed.' ITV News producer Rob McNulty showed the King rare footage from nearly 50 years ago of Charles bringing HMS Bronington into Workington Harbour. Mr McNulty, 49, unearthed the reels from the University of Cumbria's archive. He said: 'I had the video teed up on my phone, ready in my pocket. I wasn't sure if you're supposed to get your phone out — but he didn't object. 'He remembered the visit and even recalled going to the Workington Working Men's Club. It was a great moment.' Charles, who has been an honorary life member of the London Press Club since 1978, told those gathered: 'I have long believed that regional media, in all its forms, has a unique and vital role to play in society, perhaps even more so in these uncertain times.' He recalled his speech in 2002, marking the 300th anniversary of Britain's first daily national newspaper, in which he said the press, alongside other long-standing institutions, were at the forefront of 'defining, describing and celebrating the more profound values of our nation'. 'Two decades on, when too much focus is given to that which divides us, that role for your whole industry is more important than ever – and it starts from the ground up, at local level, in your hands', he said. 'Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share. 'It shines a light in dark corners, exposing injustice and wrongdoing.' He added: 'Above all, it helps strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow. 'You won't always get it right: A free media is one that will and does make mistakes, but at its best it is a cornerstone of our democracy.' The King recognised that many outlets have adapted to a changed media landscape that has been affected by 'commercial pressures and changing technologies'. This included by finding ways to engage audiences in 'new and creative' ways. He added: 'It is in everyone's interests that you should succeed. For without a thriving and financially robust regional media, we would all be the poorer.' Camilla is patron of The Journalists' Charity as well as the Guild of St Bride's, which is based at St Bride's Church on Fleet Street and is otherwise known as the journalists' church.
