UPDATE: Urgent calls are mounting for UK communications regulator Ofcom to close a critical loophole that allows channels like LuaLua TV and Al-Hiwar to broadcast antisemitic and pro-terror propaganda through YouTube without facing penalties. Leading politicians and Jewish organizations warn that action is imperative to halt the spread of extremist content into British homes.
Officials confirm that Ofcom has limited power to act against these channels due to their online streaming status. Critics label this situation as “nonsensical,” especially as LuaLua TV, which has ties to the Islamic Republic, was banned in the US in 2021. Since October 7, 2023, the channel has been airing speeches from deceased Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, with contributors describing the October 7 massacre as “humiliating” for Israel.
Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston expressed deep concern, stating, “Platforming terrorism has no place in UK broadcasting.” He urged the government to evaluate whether Ofcom has sufficient powers to address security threats posed by these channels.
The CST (Community Security Trust) has documented alarming content from both channels, highlighting that Al-Hiwar—with 1.88 million subscribers—has hosted senior Hamas figures, including Mohammad Sawalha. In a recent episode, Palestinian academics made inflammatory remarks against Zionism, claiming it is “destroying the world order that was born following World War Two.”
These developments come after a CST report indicated that Al-Hiwar has consistently promoted extreme views sympathetic to Hamas. Just days after the October 7 attack, presenter Salih al-Azraq remarked, “The resistance would kill and capture dozens… today’s scenes of the resistance may increase the pride and honour of this nation.”
Despite Ofcom’s commitment to protecting audiences, its spokesperson stated, “The Broadcasting Code does not apply to online-only streams or YouTube channels.” This raises serious questions about regulatory effectiveness in the digital age.
The urgency surrounding this issue is palpable, as Huddleston and other officials call for immediate scrutiny of existing laws to empower Ofcom to act decisively against channels propagating hate and violence.
As the debate heats up, the future of online broadcasting regulations in the UK hangs in the balance. What will the government do next? This is a developing story—stay tuned for updates.
