Ofcom has imposed a financial penalty of £125,000 on Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC in relation to its service Abu Dhabi Channel for failing to comply with our broadcasting rules.
On 28 June 2017 Abu Dhabi Channel broadcast the programme A documentary about Mahmoud Al-Jaidah and the secret organisation in the UAE which reported on Qatar’s alleged support for the Muslim Brotherhood, which the programme described as a terrorist organisation, and included footage of Dr Mahmoud Abdual Rahman Al-Jaidah discussing his alleged involvement in terrorist activities.
Mr Rodney Dixon QC complained to Ofcom on Dr Al-Jaidah’s behalf about unjust or unfair treatment in the programme and unwarranted infringement of privacy in connection with the obtaining of material included in the programme and in the programme as broadcast.
In Ofcom’s Adjudication published on 9 November 2020 in issue 414 of the Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin, we found that the programme had breached Rules 7.1 and 8.1 of our Broadcasting Code.
Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC surrendered their only UK broadcasting licence with effect from 1 January 2021. Ofcom has imposed a sanction on Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC of a financial penalty of £125,000.
Decision – Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC (PDF, 249.7 KB)
Ofcom has imposed a financial penalty of £125,000 on Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC in relation to its service Abu Dhabi Channel for failing to comply with our broadcasting rules.
On 22 June 2017, Abu Dhabi Channel broadcast the programme Confessions of Qatari Intelligence agent to damage the reputation of the UAE which reported on allegations that the Qatari Security Service was creating fake social media accounts and websites and using them to “slander” the UAE. The programme alleged that Mr Hamad Mohammed Ali Al-Hammadi, a Qatari intelligence officer, was involved, and it included footage of Mr Al-Hammadi speaking about himself and his role and alleged involvement in crimes against the UAE.
Mr Rodney Dixon QC complained to Ofcom on Mr Al-Hammadi’s behalf about unjust or unfair treatment in the programme and unwarranted infringement of privacy in connection with the obtaining of material included in the programme and in the programme as broadcast.
In Ofcom’s Adjudication published on 23 November 2020 in issue 415 of the Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin, we found that the programme had breached Rules 7.1 and 8.1 of our Broadcasting Code.
Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC surrendered their only UK broadcasting licence with effect from 1 January 2021. Ofcom has imposed a sanction on Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC of a financial penalty of £125,000.
Decision – Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC (PDF, 305.0 KB)
Information on the decisions are also available in Arabic (PDF, 102.3 KB)