UPDATE: Ofcom is facing intense pressure to close a critical loophole that allows UK-based channels, including LuaLua TV and Al-Hiwar, to promote antisemitism and extremist propaganda without consequence. Leading politicians and Jewish organizations have raised alarms, stressing the urgent need to curb hateful content that infiltrates British homes “with impunity.”
Officials confirm that Ofcom currently lacks the authority to act against these online broadcasters. Nigel Huddleston, the Shadow Culture Secretary, has demanded immediate action from the government, stating, “This is deeply alarming. Platforming terrorism has no place in UK broadcasting.” He has called for a thorough examination of Ofcom’s powers and whether legislative changes are necessary to protect citizens.
The Arabic-language channel LuaLua TV, which has been banned in the US since 2021 due to ties with the Islamic Republic, has recently aired incendiary content following the October 7, 2023 massacre. The channel has broadcast speeches from slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, with contributors labeling the attack “a step closer to victory” for their cause.
Alongside LuaLua TV, Al-Hiwar has sparked outrage with its broadcasts. Based in Acton, west London, Al-Hiwar boasts 1.88 million YouTube subscribers and has featured senior Hamas figures, including former West Bank leader Mohammad Sawalha. In a recent episode, Palestinian academics launched into a series of anti-Zionist tropes against a backdrop of the Houses of Parliament, showcasing the troubling nature of their discussions.
These channels continue to evade scrutiny, with Ofcom stating, “The Broadcasting Code does not apply to online-only streams or YouTube channels.” Critics argue this is a nonsensical situation that allows extreme views to flourish unchecked. The Community Security Trust (CST) analyzed 120 Al-Hiwar shows since October 2023 and found repeated instances of material sympathetic to Hamas.
On the day of the October 7 attack, Al-Hiwar’s presenter Salih al-Azraq declared, “The resistance would kill and capture dozens… today’s scenes of the resistance may increase the pride and honour of this nation.” Such rhetoric has raised serious concerns about the content being disseminated and the potential impact on public safety.
Dave Rich, head of policy at CST, emphasized the unique position of Al-Hiwar, stating, “For years, Al-Hiwar has used its status as a UK-based, Ofcom-licensed station to promote extreme and harmful views that would never get comparable space on an English-language, mainstream channel.” The channel’s ability to upload these videos to YouTube further insulates them from regulatory oversight.
As pressure mounts on Ofcom and the government, the question remains: what will be done to protect audiences from extremist messaging? The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as calls for reform grow louder amid fears of radicalization and misinformation spreading across the UK.
With both channels continuing to operate, it is crucial for authorities to act swiftly to address these loopholes. The public is urged to stay informed and advocate for necessary changes to protect the integrity of broadcasting in the UK.
For ongoing updates on this developing situation, stay tuned.
