Near FM Bend to Israeli Pressure and Censor Palestine

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Israel-Palestine

“The Committee is disappointed that although you had been informed of current policies regarding this topic that you did not contact us to indicate that you wished to do an interview on this subject. We would remind you that if you wish to cover this topic you must first contact us. The Committee takes this very seriously and considers it a breach ofNear FMbroadcast regulations. Any further breaches of this kind will be referred to the Coordinating Committee for their consideration, which could lead to disciplinary action.

This was the response of Near FM to a presenter who interviewed me about “this topic” – Palestine and Israel – in January this year; a bizarre response to a balanced interview. And a response reserved solely for those who dare speak about “this topic”.

When the Israeli Embassy complained about my 26 March 2013 show ‘International Politics’, which featured ‘Operation Cast Lead’ (an armed attack on the Gaza Strip by Israel), Near FM were supportive. They even brought me on an all expenses paid trip to the south of France.

In upholding the Israeli complaint, Near FM were ordered by the BAI (the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland – broadcasting regulator) to read out an apology before my next show on 6 November 2013. I requested a copy of this apology from Near FM, some days before 6 November, yet Near FM did not provide me with one.

Despite being a community volunteer journalist with no experience of dealing with such matters, Near FM did not provide the necessary training. The support had ended.Ten minutes before going on air, on 6 November, I finally heard their apology in a studio full of people, most of whom I had never met before.

A political comedy character called Azizi Bin Habeebi was a guest on that show. In a comedic style, he expressed outrage at Near FM’s apology. He called the apology “garbage” that “stank the whole office”. I claimed that in endorsing the views of experts, on 26 March, I wasn’t “…going too far wrong…”.

The remainder of our discussion was directed at the injustice that exists in Palestine at the hands of the Israelis. As a responsible journalist, that is my job. It is my job to give a voice to the unheard. It is also therefore my job, to be imbalanced against any oppressor.

To begin with, Near FM did not seem perturbed by this broadcast. However, 25 days later, they decided to publicly disown me and informed the Sunday Times of my suspension before informing me.

Their decision to suspend me was also taken in the middle of an internal process, where, matters pertaining to the 6 November broadcast were being resolved. They ignored this process and have never explained why.

Time after time I asked for a full explanation for my suspension. Time after time I met with a wall of silence. They had no idea what they were doing or what was going on. They even initially declared I was being suspended for the show on 26 March.

As it proved impossible to get answers to simple questions, I raised a formal grievance. In fact, I raised three, all of which they avoided. None of my grievances were heard.

In late January 2014 they finally lifted the suspension of me as a volunteer yet did not lift the suspension of my show. No clear explanation was ever given for lifting my suspension as a volunteer. I can only speculate as to whether it was in some way connected to the BAI funded radio documentary I was working on.

‘International Politics’ was subsequently terminated in February 2014 as I refused to accept their censorship of the Palestinian issue; a show that interviewed notable experts in Irish and international politics. My appeal was rejected in March 2014.

The termination of ‘International Politics’ was never fully explained, nor were the questions I raised during the appeal answered in any way. Likewise the banning of myinterview with a Palestinian Human Rights activist was not explained.

Sometimes I wonderif I had just complied, as once advised by the station management, to “…do a pro-Israeli piece…” and simply cover “…Palestinian art…”, would I still be on air?

Management at Near FM have ruled criticism of Israel and discussion of the Palestinian issue as out of bounds. They are prepared to ignore the injustices and discipline any community volunteer that dare discuss “this topic”.

It is tragic that a radio station which has done so much for its local community would fail to do what community media is meant to do – give a voice to the unheard. Near FM have decided they want programming that will not ruffle any feathers or upset anybody.

Nobody can claim ignorance on Palestine. Countless documentaries, articles and books on “this topic” are easily accessible. The Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Gaza Action Ireland, Sadaka and others campaign tirelessly to publicise it. Yet society just looks on.

Let’s hope Near FM do not stay with the on-lookers and reverse their policy of censorship and disciplinary action for those who dare touch “this topic”.
Peter Kearney

is a free lance journalist from Ireland, and use to broadcast an alternative point of view"

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