Ofcom rejects all complaints about BBC Panorama on antisemitism whistle-blowers
Watchdog dismisses 28 objections which had gone through the broadcaster's complaints process, saying the July programme was 'duly impartial'
Jack Mendel is the former Online Editor at the Jewish News.
Ofcom has rejected all complaints made about the BBC’s Panorama documentary about Labour’s antisemitism whistle-blowers.
The watchdog confirmed it had received 28 objections, which had gone through the BBC’s complaints process, which claimed the programme was factually inaccurate or bias against Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party.
The episode, entitled “Is labour Anti-Semitic” was made by documentary maker John Ware, and was broadcast in July.
It featured eight whistle-blowers who sounded the alarm on alleged interference in Labour’s disciplinary process by senior party figures, and singled out the Labour leader’s chief communications adviser Seumas Milne and general secretary Jennie Formby.
Labour strongly rejected the allegations, submitting a 28-page complaint to the broadcaster including concerns over the selection of interviewees.
Corbyn accused the programme of “many, many, inaccuracies”, saying it adopted a “pre-determined position” before it was aired.
Confirming that complaints had been dismissed, an Ofcom spokesperson: “We assessed complaints from viewers who felt that this programme was factually inaccurate and biased.
“In our view, the programme was duly impartial. As well as highly critical personal testimonies, it included the Labour Party’s response prominently throughout, including in an interview with the Shadow Communities Secretary.”
Labour has been approached for comment.
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