Ramallah – October 20th, 2024. The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) welcomes the decision of the Saudi General Authority of Media Regulation to refer officials at MBC Group for investigation over a news report that violates the Kingdom’s media regulations and policy.
This decision comes after the Middle East Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) broadcast a television news report titled “The Millennium of Salvation from Terrorists” in which it described the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and the movement’s symbols as terrorists.
MADA Center views this report as dangerous, as it reflects a political point of view that is in line with the positions of some countries that classify the movement as a terrorist organization, and adopts a discourse that is against Palestinian coverage, which reflects bias in media coverage and a lack of consideration for the right of the Palestinian people to defend themselves during the war of extermination that they have been subjected to for more than a year. This report is also viewed as harmful to the efforts to unify the Palestinian ranks and damages the Palestinian struggle, which is a legitimate right for the Palestinian people and guaranteed by international laws.
While MADA Center warmly welcomes the decision of the Saudi General Authority of Media Regulation to investigate the Group’s officials regarding this report, it calls on the Media Regulatory Authority to take the necessary steps to ensure that Saudi channels adhere to neutrality in covering international news and issues, given the significant repercussions of this coverage on hot and sensitive issues, especially with regard to the Palestinian cause and factions in Palestine, and the resulting repercussions on the Palestinian people and the Palestinian cause in terms of calming the situation and avoiding escalation beyond that.
MADA Center also demands a careful review of the report, an investigation into its content and the extent to which it conforms to the media standards adopted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the disclosure of the editorial objectives behind it, in view of the method of presentation and the accuracy of the information.
MADA Center calls on the Authority to review its oversight policies to ensure that such incidents do not recur, and to ensure that future reports are consistent with the media policies in place, which include guidelines not to address issues that could provoke the ire of international parties.
As a center concerned with defending media freedoms in the Palestinian territories, MADA believes that this decision to investigate officials in the MBC Group reflects the Saudi Authority’s commitment to the necessity of respecting objectivity and professionalism in media coverage, especially with regard to sensitive issues such as the Palestinian Question. It also reflects a commitment to providing a free and independent media environment that reflects the diversity of opinions and takes into account professional standards.
