Calls for urgent action are mounting as Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, faces criticism for a loophole that allows certain online channels to broadcast hate speech without consequences. Politicians and Jewish organizations emphasize the need for the regulator to intervene against channels, such as LuaLua TV and Al-Hiwar, which have been accused of disseminating antisemitic and extremist content via YouTube.
Concerns Over Extremism in Broadcasting
Leading figures, including Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston, argue that the current legal framework enables these channels to operate freely, despite their promotion of dangerous ideologies. Huddleston highlighted the alarming nature of broadcasting terrorism-related content, stating, “Platforming terrorism has no place in UK broadcasting.” He urged the government to evaluate whether Ofcom has sufficient powers to tackle such security issues.
LuaLua TV, which was banned in the United States in 2021 due to its connections with the Iranian government, has drawn particular scrutiny. Following the events of October 7, 2023, the channel has aired speeches from Hassan Nasrallah, the late leader of Hezbollah. Reports indicate that the channel has praised the October 7 attack in which many were killed, referring to it as “a step closer to victory” for the perpetrators.
Another channel, Al-Hiwar, based in Acton, west London, has also sparked outrage for its content. With approximately 1.88 million YouTube subscribers, the channel has featured prominent figures associated with Hamas, including former West Bank leader Mohammad Sawalha. Critics point to an episode last month where Palestinian academics made inflammatory remarks against Zionism, with one stating that it was “destroying the world order that was born following World War Two.”
Regulatory Challenges and Community Responses
Ofcom has stated that it is unable to regulate these channels effectively since they operate as online streams. An Ofcom spokesperson explained, “The Broadcasting Code does not apply to online-only streams or YouTube channels, and any change to this would be a matter for government and parliament.” This situation has raised serious concerns among community leaders and organizations advocating for stricter regulations.
According to a report by the Community Security Trust (CST), Al-Hiwar has consistently broadcast content sympathetic to Hamas, with an analysis of 120 shows since October 2023 revealing troubling narratives. On the day of the October 7 attack, presenter Salih al-Azraq commented on the events, suggesting that the violence could enhance national pride.
Critics, including CST’s head of policy Dave Rich, argue that Al-Hiwar has exploited its status as a UK-licensed station to promote harmful views that would not be tolerated on mainstream English-language channels. “These videos are then uploaded to YouTube, where they evade Ofcom’s jurisdiction entirely,” Rich stated.
The ongoing debate over how to address the spread of extremist content in the UK highlights the need for a reevaluation of the legal framework governing online broadcasting. As voices from the political and Jewish community call for action, the effectiveness of current regulatory practices will be under close scrutiny in the months ahead.
