Media's limited perspective on Palestinian plight

A crucial role of any media outlet covering global issues is to inform objectively and accurately about geopolitical affairs.

It’s fair to expect those covering major conflicts understand the issues they’re covering.

Well think again.

The lacklustre standard of coverage by many journalists about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, leaves you wondering if those covering global affairs have a proper grasp about the subject or is the messaging directed and controlled by a different source?

You’d be right assuming both.

Accusations of a narrowed narrative and lack of genuine understanding the complexities of the Palestinian-Israeli issues have raised concerns about the quality and impartiality of reporting in Australia.

Australian media outlets have been echoing a narrative not entirely their own, and it’s been evident in the coverage of the Palestinian plight and the genocidal act being enacted by the Israeli government.

Australia’s mainstream media is failing to openly denounce the genocide and slaughter of innocent people but are rather choosing to paint Israel as the victim and the Palestinians as the oppressive force.

It’s reporting that’s bizarre to say the least.

Instead of delving into the layers of the conflict, including there’s been a tendency to oversimplify or skew the narrative that aligns with the perspectives of the US media – showing a bias and bewildering level of ignorance.

What’s obvious is the approach Australia’s media is adopting.

It mirrors the US - focusing on the political and military aspects of the conflict – with the predetermined commentary of ‘doesn’t Israel have a right to defend itself’?

Israel does, and as I’ve written previously, Israel is a State whose hands are dripping with the blood of innocent Palestinians through decades of oppression and occupation.

What the media fails to understand is Hamas is the Palestinian people’s elected Government - governments whose people are oppressed and dehumanised defend their citizens.

The October 7 attack was a tipping point – a culmination of decades of dehumanisation, apartheid, subjugation and murder.

Enough was enough it seems for Hamas.

The Australian media’s approach is to sideline the human element, especially the everyday struggles and rights of the Palestinian people.

It’s reporting fails to capture the essence of their plight, reducing a complex issue to a series of events devoid of the broader context.

The lack of in-depth analysis in coverage sees a tendency to report on immediate events, such as conflicts or diplomatic developments, without providing the historical context or analysing the underlying issues.

3AW’s Neil Mitchell is an example.

Mitchell overtly runs a pro-Israel narrative - knowing his absence of objectivity is designed to create division.

What Mitchell fails to appreciate is his ignorance on the issue is disturbingly dangerous.

He argues a position from a zero-level of understanding and panders to an audience equally as naïve but see Mitchell as an oracle of knowledge.

Mitchell isn’t and that’s the point. He’s not educating his audience, instead he’s fomenting a level of hatred.

This surface-level reporting fails to educate the Australian public about the complexities of the Palestinian situation.

The absence of diverse voices in Australian media is also a concern.

Palestinian voices, particularly those that can articulate the depth of their experiences and struggles, are often underrepresented - leading to a one-sided view of the conflict, where the narrative is predominantly shaped by external viewpoints rather than the lived experiences of the people directly affected.

The Australian media's approach to international reporting, including the Palestinian issue, is also influenced by political and economic factors. Media organizations are not immune to the pressures and influences of their political environments.

Australia's geopolitical alliances and economic interests can indirectly shape the way international stories are reported.

Another contributing factor is the educational and cultural framework journalists operate in – a lack of deep understanding or education about Middle Eastern politics, and that leads to an oversimplified portrayal of complex issues like the Palestinian struggle.

Social media and alternative news platforms have begun to fill the void left by traditional media. These platforms often provide more nuanced and diverse perspectives on the Palestinian issue - becoming a source for those seeking a deeper understanding of the conflict.

While Australia’s media plays a vital role in informing Australians about international issues, it must be more nuanced and balanced.

Addressing these limitations is crucial for providing a more accurate and comprehensive view of global affairs, including the true essence of the plight of the Palestinians.