Unless an in depth survey is done of the ice thickness throughout the arctic then the data is at best inaccurate, areas with faster currents yield thinner ice etc which is great for cherry picking - As many previous posts mention its been melting and refreezing since I dont know when & variations are the scheme of things where weather is concerned.
Scientists have not been able to quantify the effects heat from the active gakkel ridge either which stretches 1200KM beneath the arctic but this has been wholly ignored by the press.
The BBC used to be a trusted source for information but listening to bbc news on a daily basis it is apparent that censorship by omission takes place esp on issues like the environment, finances, war.
At no time does other increasing glacial activity across the world make headline news in the way that the arctic does which suggests it is an easy target for speculation by the media and ultimately scaremongering which of course leads to our lovely green taxes and the planning of restrictions.