Karishma Patel
@karishmapatel.bsky.social
Journalist | Prev: BBC Newsreader & Middle East Journalist | ‘Cultures of London’ (Bloomsbury 2024) | MPhil (Cambridge Uni) | Rep: Peters Fraser + Dunlop | Views my own.
Pinned
I’m a former BBC newsreader – Gaza is the reason I resigned | @karishmapatel.bsky.social www.independent.co.uk/voices/bbc-g...
I’m a former BBC newsreader – Gaza is the reason I resigned
The controversy over the pulling of the ‘How to Survive a Warzone’ documentary is a distraction from a much bigger problem my old employer has with impartiality, writes Karishma Patel
www.independent.co.uk
I’ve written a piece on leaving my role as a BBC journalist & newsreader over its unwillingness to follow the evidence out of Gaza - it also touches on why I joined 1k other media figures in signing a letter condemning the BBC for removing ‘Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone’
In my first piece for Grazia, I talk about why I attended recent protests against the far right. As a British Asian woman, it’s important I come out and say: this is our Britain too. Diversity is core to what Britain is today.
graziadaily.co.uk/life/in-the-...
graziadaily.co.uk/life/in-the-...
'I Marched In Opposition To The Far Right Demonstration - This Is What Happened'
'Feeling superior to ethnic minorities is not a culture - actual British culture is rich and more complex,’ writes journalist Karishma Patel.
graziadaily.co.uk
September 22, 2025 at 12:27 PM
In my first piece for Grazia, I talk about why I attended recent protests against the far right. As a British Asian woman, it’s important I come out and say: this is our Britain too. Diversity is core to what Britain is today.
graziadaily.co.uk/life/in-the-...
graziadaily.co.uk/life/in-the-...
Reposted by Karishma Patel
ex-BBC Karishma Patel @karishmapatel.bsky.social:
"Palestinian journalists in #Gaza are producing high quality independent journalism… they’re still accused of lacking in independence - often by journalists in the West who have themselves caved to pressure."
🔗 instagram.com/reel/DOOAr0eCMId
"Palestinian journalists in #Gaza are producing high quality independent journalism… they’re still accused of lacking in independence - often by journalists in the West who have themselves caved to pressure."
🔗 instagram.com/reel/DOOAr0eCMId
September 5, 2025 at 11:51 AM
ex-BBC Karishma Patel @karishmapatel.bsky.social:
"Palestinian journalists in #Gaza are producing high quality independent journalism… they’re still accused of lacking in independence - often by journalists in the West who have themselves caved to pressure."
🔗 instagram.com/reel/DOOAr0eCMId
"Palestinian journalists in #Gaza are producing high quality independent journalism… they’re still accused of lacking in independence - often by journalists in the West who have themselves caved to pressure."
🔗 instagram.com/reel/DOOAr0eCMId
Get yourselves to the Stop Trump protest on Weds. We refuse to normalise the far right and its cruelty toward minorities. The below video should terrify you. In it, I play a newsreader in a future where a Trump/Farage-like figure is Prime Minister in the UK. A chilling notion.
Yesterday, the largest far-right protest in UK history marched through London, led by racist Tommy Robinson.
Today, we say: They don’t speak for us — and they won’t have the last word.
This Wednesday we come together against Trump and for a better future. Do everything to be there.
Today, we say: They don’t speak for us — and they won’t have the last word.
This Wednesday we come together against Trump and for a better future. Do everything to be there.
September 14, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Get yourselves to the Stop Trump protest on Weds. We refuse to normalise the far right and its cruelty toward minorities. The below video should terrify you. In it, I play a newsreader in a future where a Trump/Farage-like figure is Prime Minister in the UK. A chilling notion.
“Impartial” news outlets like the BBC and Sky are currently running stories around “small boats”, playing directly into the govt and the far right’s framing - while throwing in the odd decontextualised statistic to maintain the appearance of “accuracy” and “neutrality”. 1/2
I should add some nuance to this point - access to work is different across EU countries & there remain many barriers.
But in some countries it's working well. We should be matching asylum seekers with language & skills training in areas where we need workers to get the best for all
But in some countries it's working well. We should be matching asylum seekers with language & skills training in areas where we need workers to get the best for all
Zoe Gardner: asylum seekers should be able to work while their claims are processed. Yes!
It was the last Lab govt that removed their right to work, talked about bogus asylum seekers swamping our schools, introduced vouchers & opened Yarls Wood. And here we are #GMB
It was the last Lab govt that removed their right to work, talked about bogus asylum seekers swamping our schools, introduced vouchers & opened Yarls Wood. And here we are #GMB
August 21, 2025 at 10:31 AM
“Impartial” news outlets like the BBC and Sky are currently running stories around “small boats”, playing directly into the govt and the far right’s framing - while throwing in the odd decontextualised statistic to maintain the appearance of “accuracy” and “neutrality”. 1/2
Reposted by Karishma Patel
ex-BBC Karishma Patel @karishmapatel.bsky.social:
“It's time we talk about how news orgs like the BBC weaponise the concept of "bias" against minoritised journalists, like those reporting on the ground in #Gaza.”
Would Geeta Guru-Murthy question her brother @krishgm.bsky.social’s independence?
“It's time we talk about how news orgs like the BBC weaponise the concept of "bias" against minoritised journalists, like those reporting on the ground in #Gaza.”
Would Geeta Guru-Murthy question her brother @krishgm.bsky.social’s independence?
August 11, 2025 at 5:16 PM
ex-BBC Karishma Patel @karishmapatel.bsky.social:
“It's time we talk about how news orgs like the BBC weaponise the concept of "bias" against minoritised journalists, like those reporting on the ground in #Gaza.”
Would Geeta Guru-Murthy question her brother @krishgm.bsky.social’s independence?
“It's time we talk about how news orgs like the BBC weaponise the concept of "bias" against minoritised journalists, like those reporting on the ground in #Gaza.”
Would Geeta Guru-Murthy question her brother @krishgm.bsky.social’s independence?
Reposted by Karishma Patel
🔴 'BBC's Language Around “Palestinian Journalists” Is an Egregious Double-Standard'
Usually reporters close to a story and source are celebrated for their insight — in Gaza, it is framed as ‘bias’, argues @karishmapatel.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2025/08/13/b...
Usually reporters close to a story and source are celebrated for their insight — in Gaza, it is framed as ‘bias’, argues @karishmapatel.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2025/08/13/b...
'BBC's Language Around “Palestinian Journalists” Is an Egregious Double-Standard'
Usually reporters close to a story and source are celebrated for their insight — in Gaza, it is framed as 'bias', argues Karishma Patel
bylinetimes.com
August 13, 2025 at 12:25 PM
🔴 'BBC's Language Around “Palestinian Journalists” Is an Egregious Double-Standard'
Usually reporters close to a story and source are celebrated for their insight — in Gaza, it is framed as ‘bias’, argues @karishmapatel.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2025/08/13/b...
Usually reporters close to a story and source are celebrated for their insight — in Gaza, it is framed as ‘bias’, argues @karishmapatel.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2025/08/13/b...
In my latest piece for @the-independent.com, I write about the rigid hierarchies in the BBC, which stop journalists from speaking openly about everything from #Gaza to dodgy big name presenters. Mid-level journalists and freelancers can feel their careers are at risk, creating a culture of silence.
By relying on casual workers who have little career stability and feel as though they cannot speak up on key issues, the BBC has fostered an environment of silence and fear, writes @karishmapatel.bsky.social www.independent.co.uk/voices/bbc-w...
The BBC I know has a toxic culture – and freelancers are fodder for it
By relying on casual workers who have little career stability and feel as though they cannot speak up on key issues, the corporation has fostered an environment of silence and fear, writes Karishma Pa...
www.independent.co.uk
April 30, 2025 at 4:21 PM
In my latest piece for @the-independent.com, I write about the rigid hierarchies in the BBC, which stop journalists from speaking openly about everything from #Gaza to dodgy big name presenters. Mid-level journalists and freelancers can feel their careers are at risk, creating a culture of silence.
Proud to join women like Diane Abbott and Noura Erakat in the Spring Issue of Women in Leadership magazine. Read my piece on why I left the BBC over #Gaza, and why I still believe in the idea of public service journalism.
April 17, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Proud to join women like Diane Abbott and Noura Erakat in the Spring Issue of Women in Leadership magazine. Read my piece on why I left the BBC over #Gaza, and why I still believe in the idea of public service journalism.
Reposted by Karishma Patel
Ex-BBC presenter @karishmapatel.bsky.social calls out the BBC's Gaza coverage for what it is: disinformation. 👏👏
April 16, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Ex-BBC presenter @karishmapatel.bsky.social calls out the BBC's Gaza coverage for what it is: disinformation. 👏👏
From my interview with @scotnational.bsky.social on why mainstream news outlets haven’t openly condemned, or properly covered, Israel’s attacks on journalists in #Gaza. BBC, Sky, ITV - where are your public statements on this? Journalism itself is at stake.
April 10, 2025 at 6:32 PM
From my interview with @scotnational.bsky.social on why mainstream news outlets haven’t openly condemned, or properly covered, Israel’s attacks on journalists in #Gaza. BBC, Sky, ITV - where are your public statements on this? Journalism itself is at stake.
Likeminded creatives have been getting in touch since I started writing about BBC coverage of Gaza, and announced I was supporting Gaza Great Minds charity as a Miss Universe Great Britain finalist. Looking forward to more collaborations.
Photographer: Toks Majek - toksmajek.com
Photographer: Toks Majek - toksmajek.com
April 2, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Likeminded creatives have been getting in touch since I started writing about BBC coverage of Gaza, and announced I was supporting Gaza Great Minds charity as a Miss Universe Great Britain finalist. Looking forward to more collaborations.
Photographer: Toks Majek - toksmajek.com
Photographer: Toks Majek - toksmajek.com
I spoke to Middle East Eye about Israel targeting brave Palestinian journalists like Hossam Shabat in Gaza, and the lack of mainstream media coverage around this.
March 26, 2025 at 5:34 PM
I spoke to Middle East Eye about Israel targeting brave Palestinian journalists like Hossam Shabat in Gaza, and the lack of mainstream media coverage around this.
Journalists in Gaza are the best of us. Every news outlet should publicly condemn Israel’s attacks on fellow journalists. Lives are at stake, democracy is at stake, journalism itself is at stake. Exhibit an ounce of his bravery and speak up in the name of Hossam Shabat.
Separate Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip have killed two media workers, including Al Jazeera journalist Hossam Shabat aje.io/ylcl1j
March 24, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Journalists in Gaza are the best of us. Every news outlet should publicly condemn Israel’s attacks on fellow journalists. Lives are at stake, democracy is at stake, journalism itself is at stake. Exhibit an ounce of his bravery and speak up in the name of Hossam Shabat.
I spoke to The Mirror about why I left the BBC over Gaza, double standards in how BBC social media rules were applied around Palestine, and why I’m fundraising for Gaza Great Minds as a Miss Universe finalist.
t.co/a8eUveEdsN
t.co/a8eUveEdsN
https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/i-worked-bbc-5-years-34909169
t.co
March 23, 2025 at 1:28 PM
I spoke to The Mirror about why I left the BBC over Gaza, double standards in how BBC social media rules were applied around Palestine, and why I’m fundraising for Gaza Great Minds as a Miss Universe finalist.
t.co/a8eUveEdsN
t.co/a8eUveEdsN
Reposted by Karishma Patel
This BBC presenter resigned over its pro-Israel bias.
Everyone needs to listen to what @karishmapatel.bsky.social says.
Everyone needs to listen to what @karishmapatel.bsky.social says.
March 20, 2025 at 12:20 PM
This BBC presenter resigned over its pro-Israel bias.
Everyone needs to listen to what @karishmapatel.bsky.social says.
Everyone needs to listen to what @karishmapatel.bsky.social says.
There’s more than enough evidence to include as *fact* that Israel has been regularly violating the ceasefire in Gaza since it was put into place & has violated it now, killing civilians. Instead the BBC is treating this as an unreliable claim, entirely attributed to Hamas.
March 18, 2025 at 10:35 AM
There’s more than enough evidence to include as *fact* that Israel has been regularly violating the ceasefire in Gaza since it was put into place & has violated it now, killing civilians. Instead the BBC is treating this as an unreliable claim, entirely attributed to Hamas.
It’s come to my attention that 8 mins after ranting about @sangitamyska.bsky.social on LBC, @mrjamesob.bsky.social praised my Indy article on the BBC’s Gaza coverage as “brilliant”. This doesn’t absolve him of attacking another woman of colour mere minutes ago. I stand in solidarity with her.
March 14, 2025 at 12:05 PM
It’s come to my attention that 8 mins after ranting about @sangitamyska.bsky.social on LBC, @mrjamesob.bsky.social praised my Indy article on the BBC’s Gaza coverage as “brilliant”. This doesn’t absolve him of attacking another woman of colour mere minutes ago. I stand in solidarity with her.
I spoke to @owenjones.bsky.social about the accountability hole at the heart of the BBC’s Gaza coverage. We go into everything from language shielding Israel, to my fundraising for the education charity Gaza Great Minds as a Miss Universe GB finalist. Have a listen.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5Hp...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5Hp...
BBC Presenter RESIGNS Over Israel Bias - And Exposes The TRUTH - w/. Karishma Patel
YouTube video by Owen Jones
www.youtube.com
March 12, 2025 at 12:31 PM
I spoke to @owenjones.bsky.social about the accountability hole at the heart of the BBC’s Gaza coverage. We go into everything from language shielding Israel, to my fundraising for the education charity Gaza Great Minds as a Miss Universe GB finalist. Have a listen.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5Hp...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5Hp...
There’s plenty of concern over unfounded claims Hamas influenced ‘Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone’. Let’s talk about the BBC’s choice to embed with the Israeli military twice, and to be subject to its censor? As I told The National, this was open meddling in BBC coverage.
March 9, 2025 at 10:46 AM
There’s plenty of concern over unfounded claims Hamas influenced ‘Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone’. Let’s talk about the BBC’s choice to embed with the Israeli military twice, and to be subject to its censor? As I told The National, this was open meddling in BBC coverage.
My interview with scotnational.bsky.social - on editorial double standards and an appalling lack of child safeguarding in the BBC’s removal of ‘Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone’: www.thenational.scot/news/2499145...
March 9, 2025 at 10:36 AM
My interview with scotnational.bsky.social - on editorial double standards and an appalling lack of child safeguarding in the BBC’s removal of ‘Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone’: www.thenational.scot/news/2499145...
Ah I’m in the Mirror and this is a great opportunity to raise awareness around Gaza Great Minds, my chosen charity as a Miss Universe Great Britain Finalist - they’re operating schools across Gaza. Donate here: gazagreatminds.org
March 8, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Ah I’m in the Mirror and this is a great opportunity to raise awareness around Gaza Great Minds, my chosen charity as a Miss Universe Great Britain Finalist - they’re operating schools across Gaza. Donate here: gazagreatminds.org
In an unexpected bit of news, now I’ve left the BBC I’m returning to the pageant world & am a Miss Universe Great Britain finalist. It’s a platform I’m using to raise awareness around media coverage of Gaza, and to fundraise for the charity Gaza Great Minds - they’re running schools in the strip.
March 8, 2025 at 1:27 PM
In an unexpected bit of news, now I’ve left the BBC I’m returning to the pageant world & am a Miss Universe Great Britain finalist. It’s a platform I’m using to raise awareness around media coverage of Gaza, and to fundraise for the charity Gaza Great Minds - they’re running schools in the strip.
I pitched Hind Rajab’s story to the BBC while she was still alive. I will never stop fighting for the newsroom conditions in which her story would have been told long before she was killed by Israel. We’d have seen immediate wall to wall coverage of a 5-year-old white girl.
March 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
I pitched Hind Rajab’s story to the BBC while she was still alive. I will never stop fighting for the newsroom conditions in which her story would have been told long before she was killed by Israel. We’d have seen immediate wall to wall coverage of a 5-year-old white girl.
I’ve written a piece on leaving my role as a BBC journalist & newsreader over its unwillingness to follow the evidence out of Gaza - it also touches on why I joined 1k other media figures in signing a letter condemning the BBC for removing ‘Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone’
I’m a former BBC newsreader – Gaza is the reason I resigned | @karishmapatel.bsky.social www.independent.co.uk/voices/bbc-g...
I’m a former BBC newsreader – Gaza is the reason I resigned
The controversy over the pulling of the ‘How to Survive a Warzone’ documentary is a distraction from a much bigger problem my old employer has with impartiality, writes Karishma Patel
www.independent.co.uk
March 5, 2025 at 5:18 PM
I’ve written a piece on leaving my role as a BBC journalist & newsreader over its unwillingness to follow the evidence out of Gaza - it also touches on why I joined 1k other media figures in signing a letter condemning the BBC for removing ‘Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone’