Western journalists and politicians routinely attack and discredit media houses in the Global South as simple propaganda mouthpieces. One would therefore expect the professionalism, integrity and objectivity of Western media outlets to be beyond reproach. However, the insidious ties between private interests and Western media has apparently metastasised, running much deeper than previously expected.
In this clip, data journalist Mona Chalabi exposes how major US outlets such as the New York Times and Wall Street Journal published reports by individuals with direct links to Israel’s military and intelligence services. They were touted as impartial journalists reporting on the conflict in Gaza. She also highlights how this behaviour not only misinforms the public but also has far-reaching consequences, as top decisions are being contemplated and made based on these reports.
One African country, South Africa, has found itself a victim of such unsubstantiated reporting on numerous occasions. As of late 2023, the ANC-led government put Israel in the dock at the International Court of Justice, alleging that Tel Aviv is committing genocide against Palestinians. In response, a flurry of media reports have been published, ranging from how South Africa is a ‘legal arm’ of H*m*s to how it was paid by Iran to launch the legal challenge against Tel Aviv.
What are your thought in the role of the media during Israel’s brutal war in Gaza?