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| Rivals break with BBC in Gaza row | Rivals break with BBC in Gaza row |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| ITV, Channel 4 and Five are to show a charity appeal for Gaza amid a row over the BBC's decision not to run the film. | ITV, Channel 4 and Five are to show a charity appeal for Gaza amid a row over the BBC's decision not to run the film. |
| Ministers urged the BBC to recognise "immense human suffering" and show the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal. | Ministers urged the BBC to recognise "immense human suffering" and show the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal. |
| At least 200 people protested in London at the BBC's decision. The corporation fears compromising its impartiality in covering the Israeli offensive in Gaza. | At least 200 people protested in London at the BBC's decision. The corporation fears compromising its impartiality in covering the Israeli offensive in Gaza. |
| The BBC and other channels previously agreed not to show the appeal. Five now said the issue "transcends politics". | The BBC and other channels previously agreed not to show the appeal. Five now said the issue "transcends politics". |
| Protesters gathered outside the BBC's Broadcasting House in central London on Saturday, and chants of "BBC, shame on you" were heard as a petition was handed in to the corporation. | |
| Veteran politician Tony Benn, a speaker at the protest, said: "We can't ignore suffering in the interests of what the BBC call impartiality. | Veteran politician Tony Benn, a speaker at the protest, said: "We can't ignore suffering in the interests of what the BBC call impartiality. |
| "We can't allow others to die when we have an opportunity to save their lives." | "We can't allow others to die when we have an opportunity to save their lives." |
| Mr Benn added: "Before the sun sets in London tonight the BBC will give way." | Mr Benn added: "Before the sun sets in London tonight the BBC will give way." |
| Disasters Emergency Committee Gaza humanitarian appeal: Launched by UK charities on 22 January to raise money for Gaza aid relief and reconstructionParticipants: Action Aid, British Red Cross, Cafod, Care International, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World VisionTel: 0370 60 60 900 or go to DEC website The BBC, ITV and Sky earlier agreed not to air the appeal. An ITV spokesman had said that no consensus could be reached among broadcasters, before announcing on Saturday that it would run the appeal. | Disasters Emergency Committee Gaza humanitarian appeal: Launched by UK charities on 22 January to raise money for Gaza aid relief and reconstructionParticipants: Action Aid, British Red Cross, Cafod, Care International, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World VisionTel: 0370 60 60 900 or go to DEC website The BBC, ITV and Sky earlier agreed not to air the appeal. An ITV spokesman had said that no consensus could be reached among broadcasters, before announcing on Saturday that it would run the appeal. |
| A Channel 4 statement said: "We accept the DEC's guidance on the urgent need for humanitarian aid and believe this need should take precedence over any considerations as to the causes of the suffering that necessitates it." | A Channel 4 statement said: "We accept the DEC's guidance on the urgent need for humanitarian aid and believe this need should take precedence over any considerations as to the causes of the suffering that necessitates it." |
| Sky said it was still considering the DEC's request. | Sky said it was still considering the DEC's request. |
| Channels are due to screen the appeal for the first time on Monday. | Channels are due to screen the appeal for the first time on Monday. |
| Welcoming ITV's decision to air the appeal, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said: "The DEC appeal is crucial to help alleviate the suffering of people injured, displaced and hungry in Gaza. | |
| "I hope that other broadcasters will also reconsider broadcasting the appeal." | "I hope that other broadcasters will also reconsider broadcasting the appeal." |
| FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME class="" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/default.stm">More from Today programme The Disasters Emergency Committee - an umbrella organisation for several major aid charities - wants to raise funds for people in need of food, shelter and medicines as a result of Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip. | |
| Previous DEC appeals shown on multiple TV and radio channels have raised millions of pounds for victims of wars and natural disasters. | Previous DEC appeals shown on multiple TV and radio channels have raised millions of pounds for victims of wars and natural disasters. |
| But BBC director general Mark Thompson said: "After consultation with senior news editors, we concluded that to broadcast a free-standing appeal, no matter how carefully couched, ran the risk of calling into question the public's confidence in the BBC's impartiality in its coverage of the story as a whole." | But BBC director general Mark Thompson said: "After consultation with senior news editors, we concluded that to broadcast a free-standing appeal, no matter how carefully couched, ran the risk of calling into question the public's confidence in the BBC's impartiality in its coverage of the story as a whole." |
| He added: "We will continue to broadcast news about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and, if appropriate, to cover the work of the UK NGOs (non-governmental organisations) on the ground." | He added: "We will continue to broadcast news about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and, if appropriate, to cover the work of the UK NGOs (non-governmental organisations) on the ground." |
| The BBC's chief operating officer, Caroline Thomson, said: "We've made it clear that we had two concerns, one of which we believe probably has now been met - that the aid is beginning to get through. | The BBC's chief operating officer, Caroline Thomson, said: "We've made it clear that we had two concerns, one of which we believe probably has now been met - that the aid is beginning to get through. |
| As far as being impartial is concerned, that's our job Geoffrey DennisCare International BBC defends Gaza decision "But the other is that while it remains a matter of great, great controversy, which we are having to report on very extensively in our news bulletins, we do not think it's appropriate to give our airtime over in this way." | As far as being impartial is concerned, that's our job Geoffrey DennisCare International BBC defends Gaza decision "But the other is that while it remains a matter of great, great controversy, which we are having to report on very extensively in our news bulletins, we do not think it's appropriate to give our airtime over in this way." |
| She added that the BBC's decision would be kept under review. | She added that the BBC's decision would be kept under review. |
| Mr Alexander told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think the British public ... can distinguish between support for humanitarian aid and perceived partiality in a conflict. | Mr Alexander told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think the British public ... can distinguish between support for humanitarian aid and perceived partiality in a conflict. |
| "I really struggle to see in the face of the immense human suffering of people in Gaza... that this is in any way a credible argument. | "I really struggle to see in the face of the immense human suffering of people in Gaza... that this is in any way a credible argument. |
| "They [the BBC] still have time to make a different judgement to recognise the immense human suffering." | "They [the BBC] still have time to make a different judgement to recognise the immense human suffering." |
| Shadow international development secretary Andrew Mitchell said it was "clearly a decision for the BBC and other broadcasters " whether they showed the appeal. | Shadow international development secretary Andrew Mitchell said it was "clearly a decision for the BBC and other broadcasters " whether they showed the appeal. |
| FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME class="" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/default.stm">More from Today programme But the Conservatives believed it should be played to allow the public to make up their own minds about the appeal, he said. | |
| Liberal Democrat media spokesman Don Foster said the BBC's "disgraceful" decision must be reversed. | Liberal Democrat media spokesman Don Foster said the BBC's "disgraceful" decision must be reversed. |
| "It is unbelievable that the BBC claims to know better than either the government or the 12 major charities that form the DEC about whether aid can get through," he added. | "It is unbelievable that the BBC claims to know better than either the government or the 12 major charities that form the DEC about whether aid can get through," he added. |
| 'Undue interference' | |
| In a letter to the BBC director general on Saturday, BBC Trust chairman Michael Lyons expressed concern that the "level and tone" of some of the political comment was "coming close to constituting undue interference in the editorial independence of the BBC". | |
| He assured Mr Thompson that the Trust would "do everything in our power to ensure that you are given the space to make the editorial decisions you feel, after due consideration, are right in the circumstances". | |
| Geoffrey Dennis, chief executive of the global humanitarian group Care International, said it was not a time for politics. | |
| "As far as being impartial is concerned, that's our job... we know exactly what we are doing on the ground, there are a lot of people in real danger at the moment," he said." | "As far as being impartial is concerned, that's our job... we know exactly what we are doing on the ground, there are a lot of people in real danger at the moment," he said." |
Here is a selection of some of the comments you've sent in response to this article. | Here is a selection of some of the comments you've sent in response to this article. |
| Well done the BBC. You have to remain impartial. I dont see any appeal for the victims of Hamas' and Hizbolla's rocket attacks anywhere, do you?Bob Anderson, Erskine, Scotland | Well done the BBC. You have to remain impartial. I dont see any appeal for the victims of Hamas' and Hizbolla's rocket attacks anywhere, do you?Bob Anderson, Erskine, Scotland |
| An utterly unacceptable decsion by the BBC and other broadcasters. I am simply appalled.John M, Birmingham UK | An utterly unacceptable decsion by the BBC and other broadcasters. I am simply appalled.John M, Birmingham UK |
| Staying impartial is essential for the BBC and they made the right decision.Daniel, Surrey | Staying impartial is essential for the BBC and they made the right decision.Daniel, Surrey |
| Desperate people need help now. The BBC is achieving the feat of being both cowardly - in listening to partisan groups who do not want help to reach afflicted people - and yet high-handed believing that they know more about disasters than DEC. Anne-Marie Swift, Brighton, UK | Desperate people need help now. The BBC is achieving the feat of being both cowardly - in listening to partisan groups who do not want help to reach afflicted people - and yet high-handed believing that they know more about disasters than DEC. Anne-Marie Swift, Brighton, UK |
| Recognizing that not every citizen of Gaza is a member of Hamas, I nonetheless think that the BBC did the right thing. Had the BBC taken sides, it would have violated its impartiality and journalistic integrity. The BBC is one of the few reasonably neutral news sources left.Anonymous, California | Recognizing that not every citizen of Gaza is a member of Hamas, I nonetheless think that the BBC did the right thing. Had the BBC taken sides, it would have violated its impartiality and journalistic integrity. The BBC is one of the few reasonably neutral news sources left.Anonymous, California |
| I believe the BBC has every right to take sovereign decisions without any politicians or pressure groups interfering. The fact that ITV and Sky have taken the same decision shows that this is not some arbitrary BBC action, but that there are some serious journalistic principles at stake.Matthias, Germany | I believe the BBC has every right to take sovereign decisions without any politicians or pressure groups interfering. The fact that ITV and Sky have taken the same decision shows that this is not some arbitrary BBC action, but that there are some serious journalistic principles at stake.Matthias, Germany |
| A bad decision that will erode confidence in BBC. Contrary to what the BBC say, most people will see this as displaying bias towards Isreal. It is not being impartial.Geoff Nield, Nottingham | A bad decision that will erode confidence in BBC. Contrary to what the BBC say, most people will see this as displaying bias towards Isreal. It is not being impartial.Geoff Nield, Nottingham |
| I am truly appalled by the decision of the BBC, ITV and Sky not to broadcast charity appeals by the Disasters Emergency Committee. How can an appeal for humanitarian aid for traumatised, suffering children and their families be considered as taking sides. If "impartiality" means reporting the suffering, but not helping others to relieve it I want nothing to do with it,Roy Hughes, Newcastle upon Tyne UK | I am truly appalled by the decision of the BBC, ITV and Sky not to broadcast charity appeals by the Disasters Emergency Committee. How can an appeal for humanitarian aid for traumatised, suffering children and their families be considered as taking sides. If "impartiality" means reporting the suffering, but not helping others to relieve it I want nothing to do with it,Roy Hughes, Newcastle upon Tyne UK |
| I wish to register my protest at the BBC's refusal to run the appeal for Gaza. It is NOT a political appeal. This is the first time I have complained to the BBC but I feel very strongly that they have taken the wrong decision.Joy Coleman, United Kingdom | I wish to register my protest at the BBC's refusal to run the appeal for Gaza. It is NOT a political appeal. This is the first time I have complained to the BBC but I feel very strongly that they have taken the wrong decision.Joy Coleman, United Kingdom |
| This decision is absurd. People are suffering and need help now. The BBC is making a fool of itself by appearing more concerned with not upsetting a small number of people and ignoring the needs of those without the means to help themselves. The managers who made the decision should be ashamed of themselves.Cyril Durbin, Maidstone, England | This decision is absurd. People are suffering and need help now. The BBC is making a fool of itself by appearing more concerned with not upsetting a small number of people and ignoring the needs of those without the means to help themselves. The managers who made the decision should be ashamed of themselves.Cyril Durbin, Maidstone, England |
| I think the BBC is right not to broadcast the appeal. The BBC should remain impartial, I would be disappointed if the BBC changed its mind.Oliver L, Worcester | I think the BBC is right not to broadcast the appeal. The BBC should remain impartial, I would be disappointed if the BBC changed its mind.Oliver L, Worcester |
| The decision of the BBC not to transmit a humantarian appeal on behalf of those suffering in Gaza is outrageous. Shame, shame shame on you. The decision must be reversed at once and those responsible should resign.Nick Jewson, Cardiff, UK | The decision of the BBC not to transmit a humantarian appeal on behalf of those suffering in Gaza is outrageous. Shame, shame shame on you. The decision must be reversed at once and those responsible should resign.Nick Jewson, Cardiff, UK |
| I think the BBC and other broadcasters are totally correct on this occasion. The BBC already has a lot of criticism it is too hostile to Israel, so to be involved in Gaza appeals would have been very damaging. Adam Greene, Birmingham,UK | I think the BBC and other broadcasters are totally correct on this occasion. The BBC already has a lot of criticism it is too hostile to Israel, so to be involved in Gaza appeals would have been very damaging. Adam Greene, Birmingham,UK |
| It would have been disgraceful had the BBC agreed to broadcast the appeal. It is a shame that they then went on to allow Tony Benn to make the appeal on "Today" and make manifestly false claims about the situation in Gaza.Geoffrey, Dorset England | It would have been disgraceful had the BBC agreed to broadcast the appeal. It is a shame that they then went on to allow Tony Benn to make the appeal on "Today" and make manifestly false claims about the situation in Gaza.Geoffrey, Dorset England |
| Thanks to Tony Benn and, by default the BBC, I now know where to send my cheque for Gaza relief. In deciding not to broadcast this appeal the BBC may have, unwittingly, given the appeal much greater publicity.Tony Messenger, Windsor | Thanks to Tony Benn and, by default the BBC, I now know where to send my cheque for Gaza relief. In deciding not to broadcast this appeal the BBC may have, unwittingly, given the appeal much greater publicity.Tony Messenger, Windsor |
| The BBC should air the DEC appeal which is made up of some of the most respectable charities in the world. Denying them the right to air an appeal, makes the BBC judge and jury in humanitarian disasters, which is an untenable position. Aid for children is not wrong, air the appeal I implore you.Sam, Birmingham | The BBC should air the DEC appeal which is made up of some of the most respectable charities in the world. Denying them the right to air an appeal, makes the BBC judge and jury in humanitarian disasters, which is an untenable position. Aid for children is not wrong, air the appeal I implore you.Sam, Birmingham |
| I have been a supporter of the BBC, but I never thought that it would be so crass as to refuse to broadcast the appeal on behalf of DEC. This must be political correctness gone mad. You should be ashamed of yourselves.Richard Lander, Truro, UK | I have been a supporter of the BBC, but I never thought that it would be so crass as to refuse to broadcast the appeal on behalf of DEC. This must be political correctness gone mad. You should be ashamed of yourselves.Richard Lander, Truro, UK |
| This is a humanitarian issue which all people both individually and in public office should pro-actively support. I suggest the BBC canvass widely as to whether the people of this country support the BBC both in its coverage of the Gaza crisis and now its refusal to actively support the vital rebuild of Gaza.Dave Laws, Broghton | This is a humanitarian issue which all people both individually and in public office should pro-actively support. I suggest the BBC canvass widely as to whether the people of this country support the BBC both in its coverage of the Gaza crisis and now its refusal to actively support the vital rebuild of Gaza.Dave Laws, Broghton |
| I think it is an absolute disgrace that the BBC are not allowing the broadcast on behalf of the Gaza appeal. What is political about trying to support injured and homeless women and children!Mark Thompson is becoming increasingly out of touch with people he is supposed to serve.R Mitchell, Welshpool | I think it is an absolute disgrace that the BBC are not allowing the broadcast on behalf of the Gaza appeal. What is political about trying to support injured and homeless women and children!Mark Thompson is becoming increasingly out of touch with people he is supposed to serve.R Mitchell, Welshpool |
| I feel really let down by the BBC. What's been happening in Gaza is terrible. I don't take sides on the conflict, and I don't have any clues about political solutions, but this is about vulnerable people in need. They require help and we should be giving it to them - how can the BBC not see this?James Pickering, London, UK | I feel really let down by the BBC. What's been happening in Gaza is terrible. I don't take sides on the conflict, and I don't have any clues about political solutions, but this is about vulnerable people in need. They require help and we should be giving it to them - how can the BBC not see this?James Pickering, London, UK |
| As a license fee payer, I strongly feel the BBC should reconsider it's decision. I believe an appeal on behalf of people suffering and in desperate need is as 'apolitical' as one can get. Richard, Cambridge | As a license fee payer, I strongly feel the BBC should reconsider it's decision. I believe an appeal on behalf of people suffering and in desperate need is as 'apolitical' as one can get. Richard, Cambridge |