"Winnipeg is home to a significant Palestinian population, yet their voices are entirely absent from your report. I’m sure Mr. Chang could have interviewed members of the Arab community, specifically the Palestinian community, or even pro-Palestinian advocacy groups in Winnipeg. The Arab community of Winnipeg should also be central to your story. By failing to include these voices, the article marginalizes an already vulnerable community."
Sep 3, 2024
To:
Nancy Waugh, Managing Editor, CBC News
Brodie Fenlon, Editor-in-Chief, CBC News
Arturo Chang, Reporter, CBC News
Dear Ms. Waugh, Mr. Fenlon, and Mr. Chang
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to express my concern regarding your article titled “Winnipeg Jewish Federation wants ceasefire after 6 hostages killed in Gaza” published on September 1st, 2024 by CBC News. The article’s coverage, particularly its focus on the six Israeli hostages killed by Hamas, is one-sided and excludes voices from Palestinians Canadians. This is particularly shocking as the story is centered in Winnipeg, which has one of the largest Palestinian communities residing in Canada.
While it is important to report on the tragic loss of life from the perspective of Israeli families impacted by the situation in Gaza, it is equally important that the CBC provide the same care and consideration in its coverage that includes the perspectives of all actors impacted by the situation. Winnipeg is home to a significant Palestinian population, yet their voices are entirely absent from your report. I’m sure Mr. Chang could have interviewed members of the Arab community, specifically the Palestinian community, or even pro-Palestinian advocacy groups in Winnipeg. The Arab community of Winnipeg should also be central to your story. By failing to include these voices, the article marginalizes an already vulnerable community.
To adhere to the journalistic ethics of diversity per the CBC’s Journalistic Standards and Practices guidelines, it is the CBC’s responsibility to the reader to provide a survey of the common viewpoints on an issue. I feel the story here fails to convey all viewpoints which furthers the silencing of Palestinian perspectives regarding a ceasefire deal between Palestine and Israel.
Given this context, I believe this CBC article is particularly unfair and doesn’t meet the standards expected of the CBC and its journalists. The article’s exclusive focus on the Israeli victims, without addressing the broader context of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, including Israel’s 11-month siege on the strip which contributes to a narrative that unjustly simplifies the situation and overlooks the collective suffering of all Palestinians.
Moreover, the article fails to mention the unreasonable conditions imposed by Israel during ceasefire negotiations, such as the Philadelphi Corridor issue, which have exacerbated tensions between Israel and Hamas and decreased the chance of a ceasefire any time soon.
According to the Guardian, Netanyahu’s decision to control the Philadelphi Corridor has diplomatic ramifications and direct impact on negotiations for a ceasefire deal with Hamas and the release of Israel hostages held by the group. Hamas claims Israel's control of the Philadelphi prompted the group’s rejection of recent proposals. Ceasefire-for-hostages talks have been “torpedoed” because of Israel’s actions. Ignoring these details in your story perpetuates a narrative that unfairly blames one side while absolving the other of its responsibilities.
I demand that the CBC revise this article by including Palestinian voices and adding context on dwindling ceasefire negotiations given Netanyahu’s adoption of a hardline approach towards Hamas which has caused proposals to be rejected. This would ensure a more balanced approach to Mr. Chang’s reporting, ensuring that Palestinian perspectives are included and that the broader context of the conflict is adequately represented.
I urge you to consider these points and make the necessary adjustments to your article.
I await your response,
Anthony Issa
Media Analyst
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East