Channel 4 Rethinks BBC Doc on Gaza

BBC Drops Documentary on Gaza Doctors Due to Concerns of Partiality

The BBC recently announced that it would not air a documentary called "Gaza: Doctors Under Attack," citing concerns that it might create a perception of partiality. The documentary, which examines alleged violations of international law by Israeli forces, will now air on Channel 4.

The BBC commissioned the film from an independent production company, Basement Films, over a year ago. However, it delayed the broadcast until an ongoing review of another programme on the region was completed.

Channel 4 acquired the documentary and verified its content to ensure it met their editorial standards and broadcasting code. The head of news and current affairs at Channel 4, Louisa Compton, described the film as "meticulously reported and important."

Basement Films, the production company behind the documentary, stated that it was the third film they had made about the assault on Gaza since October 2022. They expressed gratitude to their Palestinian colleagues and the doctors who shared their stories.

The BBC initially paused production of the documentary in April, citing the ongoing review of another Gaza-related programme. They emphasized the importance of impartiality, which is a core principle of BBC News. After discussions with Basement Films failed to yield a solution, the BBC transferred ownership of the film material to the production company.

The documentary is scheduled to air on Channel 4 on 2 July at 10pm.