Israel is in the midst of a battle for public opinion -- waged primarily via the media. To ensure Israel is represented fairly and accurately "'HonestReporting'" monitors the media, exposes cases of bias, promotes balance, and effects change through education and action. When media bias occurs, our worldwide base of subscribers takes action by contacting news agencies, drawing issues of bias to their attention, and requesting changes. Media outlets, correspondents, and editors are now held accountable for biased reporting and are becoming more aware of the need for factual, impartial and fair reporting. Our subscribers also make use of our Communiqués to bolster their own knowledge and understanding of the often complex issues. The work of HonestReporting yields results. Since 2000, the organization prompted hundreds of apologies, retractions, and revisions from news outlets. These efforts are changing the face of the media and reporting of Israel throughout the world. As an organization dedicated to defending Israel against prejudice in the Media, we aim to provide educational tools and resources to anyone wishing to advocate for Israel. Our materials provide people with information that is helpful when responding to the Media, in their dealings on Campus or in the work place, and in any other sphere where having credible, considered background material is of value. Why is the struggle for media fairness so important? The media sways public opinion, which directly affects foreign policy towards Israel and in turn the lives of her citizens. One person alone may not impact this struggle, but thousands united can! Our History
It was Yom Kippur, 2000. The Intifada had just broken out and a huge wave of terror had suddenly descended upon Israel. The media in Europe was twisting the story to brand Israel as a bad guy! Jews in the UK were in shock and felt under attack. A few idealists decided enough was enough.
"So there were 4 or 5 of us British university students, kicking ideas around, frustrated and wondering what we could do to help Israel. We came up with the idea of encouraging thousands of e-mails to some of the publications in order to make our complaints heard. But in order to create an email protest, we had to have a website. Otherwise people couldn't respond, and we couldn't communicate with a base of supporters.
In early 2001, those first volunteers turned to the Jerusalem Fund of Aish HaTorah to help build a website, develop materials and grow the subscriber base even further. Later that year, the project, having grown to become a major organization in its own right, was established as a US non-profit organization (501c3) with an Independent Board of Directors.
Two years later, HonestReporting Canada (HRC) was founded as an independent, non-profit organization headquartered in Toronto, Canada. In February of 2006, under a fresh management team, HonestReporting was granted independent Charitable Organization status in Israel to complement its US and Canadian status.
In March 2006, HonestReporting UK was launched under the guidance of the team's two ex-pat Britons; Joe Hyams, Managing Director, and Simon Plosker, Senior Editor. HonestReporting UK expects to achieve UK Registered Charity Status with an Independent Board in due course.
Natan Sharansky Former Prisoner of Zion, and Diaspora Affairs Minister HonestReporting has quickly proven to be one of Israel's most important weapons in the battle for fair media coverage. At a time when Israel's image abroad counts among our most critical national priorities, and in a world of hostile media, it is crucial that HonestReporting's work continues and expands.
With over 140,000 subscribers, HonestReporting is Israel's largest media watchdog. Their prompt response to violations of professional journalistic standards keeps media outlets aware that they will be held accountable. Unknown potential damage is avoided and real danger is minimized, due to HonestReporting's relentless efforts.
I know of few more dynamic, truly effective organizations in the Jewish world today than HonestReporting.
Gary Bauer Renowned Christian Leader; American Values, President HonestReporting is one of the world's most important organizations defending Israel. It serves on the front lines against media bias everywhere. HonestReporting and its 140,000 subscribers is the largest watchdog protecting Israel from imbalanced reporting in mainstream media. The security of Israel is directly connected to American support, so the success of HonestReporting is a priority to me and everyone who cares about our only democratic ally in the Middle East.
The Jerusalem Report Jewish watchdog groups, such as HonestReporting ... have a commendable record of vigilance in drawing public attention to anti-Israel bias.
