UPDATE: Ofcom is under intense pressure to close a critical loophole that allows UK-based channels to disseminate hate speech and pro-terror propaganda via YouTube. Leading politicians and Jewish organizations are demanding immediate action to halt the transmission of extremist content into British homes “with impunity.”
Concerns have escalated following reports that channels like LuaLua TV and Al-Hiwar are able to operate without repercussions, as Ofcom claims it lacks the power to regulate online-only broadcasts. Shadow culture secretary Nigel Huddleston has called for a thorough examination of whether Ofcom’s powers are sufficient, stating, “Platforming terrorism has no place in UK broadcasting.”
Since its ban in the US in 2021 over links to the Islamic Republic, LuaLua TV has continued to broadcast inflammatory content, including speeches from slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Since October 7, 2023, the channel has aired commentary glorifying the recent attack on Israel, with contributors declaring it a “step closer to victory.”
In another alarming instance, Al-Hiwar, which boasts 1.88 million YouTube subscribers, has hosted notorious Hamas figures. A recent episode featured Palestinian academics making anti-Zionist statements while sitting against the backdrop of the UK Parliament. One guest, Nashat Aqtash, made baseless claims linking the World Bank and IMF to a so-called “Zionist enterprise.”
Former Al-Jazeera director-general Wadah Khanfar asserted that “Zionism is destroying the world order” during the same program. The rhetoric has raised alarms among critics, especially as the Jewish community security charity, CST, reported that Al-Hiwar has consistently aired material sympathetic to Hamas.
According to the CST, a shocking pattern of content has emerged, with presenters on Al-Hiwar discussing the October 7 attacks in a manner that glorifies violence. On that day, presenter Salih al-Azraq proclaimed, “The resistance would kill and capture dozens,” highlighting the dire implications of such messaging.
An Ofcom spokesperson stated, “Our broadcasting rules serve to protect audiences,” but acknowledged the limitations of their authority over online platforms. The spokesperson emphasized that LuaLua TV operates as an online stream, and that Al-Hiwar is classified under YouTube, beyond the reach of traditional broadcasting regulations.
With the current situation prompting widespread outrage, Huddleston has urged the government to reconsider whether legislative changes are necessary to grant Ofcom greater oversight. He expressed that the ongoing transmission of extremist views is “deeply alarming.”
As this situation develops, many are left questioning what measures will be taken to ensure that such content does not continue to infiltrate UK homes. The calls for reform are mounting, and the urgency for action has never been clearer.
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