"Lastly, while the statement from the UN special envoy for Yemen is noted and appreciated, and some Houthi media entities are sourced, I note that there was an absence of a Houthi civilian perspective, which would help the reader understand the humanitarian situation and consequences."
May 7, 2025
Dear Peterborough Examiner and Associated Press newsrooms,
I’m writing to you on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME, https://www.cjpme.org) to express my concern regarding the article titled “Israel disables Yemen airport in escalating strikes on rebels” on May 7, 2025.
Firstly, regarding the use of the word “disabled” in the headline, more active and accurate wording would uphold ethical standards of journalistic accuracy, as laid out by the Canadian Association of Journalists. For example, “Israel airstrikes hit the international airport in Yemen”, would more accurately describe the situation for the reader.
Secondly, the article repeats, without skepticism, claims made by the Israeli and US military, and assertions made by the Israeli Government and Trump administration. For example: it is stated that President Trump said “the Houthis "capitulated" and agreed to stop targeting shipping in the Red Sea”; that Israel’s military said “several power plants also were struck”. For journalistic accuracy, “said” could be replaced by “claimed” or “alleged” - assertions should not be presented as objective fact.
Lastly, while the statement from the UN special envoy for Yemen is noted and appreciated, and some Houthi media entities are sourced, I note that there was an absence of a Houthi civilian perspective, which would help the reader understand the humanitarian situation and consequences.
Thanks in advance for making these corrections, and I encourage the Associated Press and the Peterborough Examiner to take these suggestions into account to meet standards of accuracy in future reporting.
Sincerely,
Alison Jenkins