A whistleblower has alleged that anti-semitism at the BBC has become “normalised” and has accused the broadcaster of consistently disregarding claims of anti-Semitic behaviour and attitudes within the organisation.
The staff member, who is Jewish and has extensive experience at the BBC, said they face anti-semitic and anti-Israeli remarks almost daily, with their complaints being dismissed by management.
Writing anonymously in The Telegraph, they declared: “Anti-Semitism exists in the newsrooms of Britain’s public service broadcaster. It has for years and remains prevalent today, exacerbated by events since October 7.”
The whistleblower detailed their personal experiences, in what they consider “normal” encounters with anti-Semitism both before and after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7.
A whistleblower has alleged that anti-semitism at the BBC has become “normalised” and has accused the broadcaster of consistently disregarding claims of anti-Semitic behaviour and attitudes within the organisation
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They criticised BBC Director General Tim Davie for failing to address the issue, despite his previous assurances that the organisation had no tolerance for racism.
They wrote: “For Jewish staff, anti-Semitism and Israel-bashing are daily occurrences, and Tim Davie’s statements ring hollow. Actions speak louder than words, and in dealing with anti-Semitism or anti-Zionism, the BBC’s actions are virtually silent.”
The whistleblower also reported an increase in anti-Semitic sentiments within the BBC since the escalation of the Gaza conflict.
They claimed that numerous employees have openly expressed “odious views” about Zionists, Israel, and Jews on social media, often under their real names.
While some cases have been reported in the media, others – the whistleblower claims – are being investigated by the BBC’s Human Resources department.
In August, more than 200 Jewish employees signed a letter addressed to the BBC board, raising “serious concerns about anti-Jewish racism” at the corporation.
This letter included extensive documentation supporting their claims.
However, Dr Samir Shah, the BBC chair, dismissed their request for a formal investigation, acknowledging only that “on a small number of occasions, staff conduct has fallen below expectations.”
The whistleblower’s revelations follow similar accusations from other media professionals.
The whistleblower criticised BBC Director General Tim Davie for failing to address the issue, despite his previous assurances that the organisation had no tolerance for racism
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Jay Rayner, who recently resigned as restaurant critic for The Observer, accused its sister publication The Guardian of harbouring anti-Semites and criticised its editor for failing to confront the issue.
In response, The Guardian stated that it takes such allegations seriously and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward anti-Semitism.
A BBC spokesperson said: “It is unacceptable that anyone should face this in their workplace. We deplore anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination or harassment.
“We encourage the writer to discuss these issues with their manager or use our confidential whistleblowing service, so they can be investigated and resolved, and the staff member can receive appropriate support.”