Emmys organizers uphold nomination for Palestinian journalist despite pressure by pro-Israel group

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) has announced that it will not revoke the Emmy nomination of Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda, despite calls for her disqualification over alleged ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

The controversy erupted when a pro-Israel group called the Creative Community for Peace (CCFP) published an open letter urging NATAS to rescind Owda's nomination, citing her alleged participation in PFLP events and accusations of spreading antisemitic content.

NATAS President Adam Sharp defended the decision on Tuesday, stating that the academy found no evidence of Owda's current involvement with the PFLP. Sharp acknowledged that Owda had spoken at PFLP-associated events years ago but emphasized that recent connections could not be corroborated.

Sharp also highlighted that the Emmy Awards have historically recognized controversial works to capture diverse perspectives in journalism, even those some may find objectionable.

Owda, a 25-year-old journalist from Gaza, received the nomination for her documentary "It's Bisan From Gaza and I'm Still Alive," which depicts life in Gaza during Israeli attacks.

NATAS is an American professional service organization founded in 1955 for "the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry." It distributes prestigious Emmy Awards, including those for daytime, sports, and news and documentary programming.