[Saba Sports News] A reporter was terminated due to his reaction to a Philadelphia 76ers social media post expressing support for Israel. On Sunday, the 76ers issued a statement through their official account condemning the attacks by the terrorist group Hamas on Israelis in the Gaza Strip the previous day.
Their post conveyed solidarity with Israel and mourned the loss of innocent lives at the hands of Hamas, accompanied by the hashtag “#StandWithIsrael.”
Jackson Frank, recently employed by Philly Voice as a reporter assigned to cover the 76ers, publicly criticized the team’s post on social media. In response, he wrote, “This post is disappointing! Always in solidarity with Palestine.” Following this, Frank deactivated his social media account, but his comments had already been captured in screenshots, leading to his subsequent dismissal.
PhillyVoice.com’s CEO informed the New York Post that Mr. Frank’s employment had been terminated, expressing their support for those distressed by the senseless attacks in Israel and the loss of innocent lives, emphasizing their commitment to impartial reporting.
It is important to note that regardless of one’s agreement with Mr. Frank’s political stance, his expression of a political viewpoint as a reporter was considered a breach of traditional journalistic ethics.
Journalism ethics dictate that reporters should remain impartial and treat their subjects fairly, avoiding any display of bias. Frank’s social media post clearly demonstrated a negative bias against the team he was assigned to cover.