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The decision by the BBC and Sky news not to show an appeal for aid for the people of Gaza has been met with protest and condemnation from many quarters. Thursday 22 January The BBC refuses to broadcast the Disasters Emergency Committee's humanitarian appeal for Gaza citing concerns about the difficulty of getting aid through and the need to protect publeic confidence in its impartiality. ITV and Sky announce they will not screen the appeal as a result, since broadcasters had failed to reach consensus. Sky cites a convention that DEC appeals are carried by all broadcasters or none. Friday 23 January Douglas Alexander, the British international development secretary, writes a letter to the BBC, Sky and ITV, expressing his "disappointment" that the appeal would not be broadcast. Saturday 24 January ITV, Channel 4 and Channel Five agree to carry the appeal. Sky announces it is "considering" broadcasting the appeal. The BBC is criticised for its decision by the Archbishop of York John Sentamu, communities secretary Hazel Blears, Channel 4 news presenter Jon Snow, former BBC foreign correspondent Martin Bell, Labour MP and committee member Richard Burden, shadow international development secretary Andrew Mitchell, health minister and former journalist Ben Bradshaw, former cabinet minister Tony Ben and the Muslim Council of Britain. Mark Thompson's (director general of the BBC) predecessor Greg Dyke says it's a "no-win situation" for the BBC. |
Al Jazeera report on the inflammatory decision by the BBC.
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The disasters and emergency appeal for aid to Palestine.
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Sunday 25 January The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams calls on the BBC to air the appeal, along with Scottish first minister Alex Salmond and justice minister Shahid Malik. The BBC admits it has received 11,000 complaints from the public about the decision. Fifty MPs, led by Labour's Burden, announce plans to back an early-day motion in parliament the following day, urging the BBC to reverse its decision. Culture secretary, Andy Burnham, says it is right that broadcasters made their own decisions, adding that the BBC faces a difficult choice because of the way it is funded. About 100 protesters stage a noisy but peaceful demonstration in the reception area of BBC Scotland's headquarters in Glasgow. David Hind, the chief executive of the Charity Commission, says the BBC's refusal would have a direct impact on the money raised. Monday 26 January Mark Thompson, director general of the BBC, goes on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, ruling out a change of policy. Sky News joins the BBC in refusing to broadcast the appeal. John Ryley, head of Sky News, says screening the appeal would compromise the network's impartiality. |