A Call for Accountability and Transparency in Reporting on Palestine and Lebanon

CBC, CTV, CP24, Global News, Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, National Post, Globe and Mail, Journalistic Organizations and Relevant Stakeholders

Canadian Media has a responsibility to inform the public accurately and without bias. However, Canadian outlets have underreported Palestinian casualties and suffering, distorting the humanitarian crisis and ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Ethical journalism is essential to the functioning of democracy in Canada. By signing this petition, we call for an urgent review of journalistic ethics and reporting standards to ensure that Canadian media reflect fairness, accuracy, and truth in their coverage of international conflicts.

To: CBC, CTV, CP24, Global News, Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, National Post, Globe and Mail, Journalistic Organizations and Relevant Stakeholders
From: [Your Name]

We, the undersigned individuals and organizations across Canada, express deep concern about Canadian media’s coverage of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the Lebanese invasion, and the impact of biased reporting on both the Palestinian people and Canadian citizens, who rely on accurate information to stay informed and engaged.

This petition calls for accountability and a commitment to ethical journalism, in line The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) Ethical Guidelines closely aligned with the international legal obligations outlined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly Articles 19 and 20, and with the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, which emphasizes the crucial role of journalists in upholding democracy and human rights. Additionally, we highlight that the Key Principles of the CAJ Guidelines are: Accuracy and Fairness, Impartiality, Respect for Dignity, Accountability, and Prohibition of Advocacy for Hatred.

Canadian Media has a responsibility to inform the public accurately and without bias. However, Canadian outlets have underreported Palestinian casualties and suffering, distorting the humanitarian crisis and ongoing genocide in Gaza. Amnesty International has documented that Palestinian journalists face grave risks, and their perspectives are often overlooked in media coverage and narratives reaching Canadians.

Studies by Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR) revealed strong biases and misrepresentation in conflict reporting, with passive language used to describe Palestinian and Lebanese suffering while Israeli actions are portrayed as deliberate. This double standard not only misleads public perception but also affects Canadians’ ability to form informed opinions and participate in meaningful dialogue.

We urge Canadian media to:
1. Commit to Ethical Reporting: Uphold high standards of truth, accuracy, and diverse representation, including Palestinian voices.
2. Address Bias: Ensure all perspectives, especially marginalized communities, are fairly represented.
3. Support Journalists in Conflict Zones: Advocate for their safety and provide platforms for their stories.

Ethical journalism is essential to the functioning of democracy in Canada. By signing, we call for an urgent review of journalistic ethics and reporting standards to ensure that Canadian media reflect fairness, accuracy, and truth in their coverage of international conflicts.