The commentator is, of course, entitled to direct criticisms at Hamas. However, the manner in which the criticisms were framed is deeply concerning. By characterizing Hamas as being “from the Palestinian state” and describing it as “anti-Christ,” the commentator effectively associated in the minds of readers this inflammatory characterization with Palestinians more broadly.
To the CJTK-FM (KFM Sudbury 95.5),
I am writing to you on behalf of Candians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East to raise concern regarding comments aired at 9:00:03 AM in which Palestinians were described, in effect, as “anti-Christ”, alongside misleading statements about the October 7th attacks being aired.
First, I am concerned by the statement that “on October 7th, Hamas from the Palestinian state sent their army over the wall in the early morning hours to kill 1,200 people and hold hostages.”
This is an inaccurate claim. On July 7, 2024, Haaretz released a damning report detailing how the Israeli military ordered the Hannibal Directive on October 7th,.e. Israel’s use of overwhelming lethal force even if it meant killing their own people.
More specifically, the Hannibal Directive is, according to Mondoweiss, an Israeli policy that “instructs the military to open fire on its own soldiers to prevent them from being taken captive.” A senior IDF source confirmed to Haaretz that the “Hannibal procedure was employed on October 7,” and that an order was given at 11:22 A.M. prohibited any vehicle, presumably carrying kidnapped civilians and soldiers, would not be allowed to return to Gaza. Beyond these Israeli attacks on vehicles returning to Gaza, Israeli forces conducted indiscriminate assaults on crossings and bases to avoid the abduction of soldiers. Ultimately, this report confirms that many of the kidnapped civilians and soldiers were at risk or exposed to Israeli gunfire and killed by Israel on October 7.
Given this context, the claim made that on October 7th, Hamas killed 1,200 people and held hostages is inaccurate.
Second, and more glaringly, the radio mentions Hamas, which it explicitly portrays with the “Palestinian state” as “anti-Christ.”
The commentator is, of course, entitled to direct criticisms at Hamas. However, the manner in which the criticisms were framed is deeply concerning. By characterizing Hamas as being “from the Palestinian state” and describing it as “anti-Christ,” the commentator effectively associated in the minds of readers this inflammatory characterization with Palestinians more broadly.
To be clear, my comments should not be interpreted as a defense of Hamas. Rather, my concern is with the misleading and inflammatory language used in this radio segment, which conflates Hamas with Palestinians and which in effect, vilifies Palestinians, violating the Equitable Portrayal Code.
As you already know, commercial talk radio stations are regulated by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and are expected to adhere to the broadcasting standards including those administered by the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC).
Using religious language to vilify Palestinians, though it be unintentional, is inconsistent with the values of dignity and respect that is central to Christianity that the radio broadcast claims to represent.
Given all of my concerns, an on-air correction is merited; otherwise, I have no choice but to file a complaint with the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC).
Regards,
Media Analyst, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East