Poor Coverage – Media outlet to be critiqued
A CJPME Media Researcher has launched a media alert for the following article. Please submit a quick response to the media, even if it’s just a sentence or two:
Title of Piece: Natasha Fatah: CBC's Natasha Fatah speaks to a Palestinian Canadian with family still in Gaza on the ceasefire
Media Outlet: CBC Click here to access the piece on-line. Click here to access a PDF transcript.
Comments of the CJPME Media Researcher: (Note: Please do not copy and paste the material below as the content to your message to the media - put all comments in your own words): Anchor Natasha Fatah dismissed the term genocide during a CBC News interview with Palestinian Israa Alsaafin, who was mourning her brother's death in Gaza. This response exemplifies CBC’s editorial choices that actively dehumanize and marginalize Palestinian perspectives. When Ms. Alsaafin shared how her brother was killed in what she described as a genocide, the anchor responded by stating that “‘war’ is more appropriate” and asserting that “we [CBC reporters] cannot use that word [genocide] to describe what is happening.” MAP responders can review the transcript of this exchange or watch the full video.
- The host's negative response to the description of Alsaafin’s brother’s death, including dismissing the term “genocide,” dehumanizes the pain and experience of the guest and reinforces anti-Palestinian racism. It positions Israeli narratives as more legitimate, further marginalizing Palestinian voices. The CBC needs to stop silencing Palestinian narratives by refusing to engage with their terminology or editing their perspectives in ways that distort their intent.
- All the questions asked by host Natasha Fatah exclude direct references to Israel’s role in the destruction of Gaza. The only time Israel’s actions are mentioned is when Palestinian guest Israa Alsaafin describes her brother being killed in an Israeli airstrike amongst hundreds of other Palestinians. The host never raises questions around Israel’s actions or follows up on this statement by the guest.
- The host's approach lacked empathy toward the guest’s emotional vulnerability, especially given her recent loss. By focusing on generic questions about "optimism" rather than acknowledging and validating her grief, the CBC failed to provide a safe space for an honest conversation.
- While the host refused to engage with the term genocide, they failed to mention that credible human rights organizations like Amnesty International have concluded Israel’s actions constitute genocide. We must demand that CBC adopt the term genocide, or cite human rights groups and international bodies that have identified Israeli actions as such.
Please click here to launch an email in which you can draft a response to this media coverage. If this link does not work for you, simply open an email in your email program, address it to [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] , and draft and send your email.
If you have any problems, please email [email protected].
Thank you very much. Every response makes a difference.
The CJPME Media Centre Team Email CJPME - CJPME Website
|