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| Pressure still on BBC in Gaza row | |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| The BBC is under pressure to air a charity appeal for aid to Gaza after other channels agreed to broadcast it. | |
| Director general Mark Thompson has said by airing the appeal the BBC would risk reducing public confidence in its impartial coverage of the conflict. | |
| But Communities Secretary Hazel Blears urged a review of the decision as 2,000 protested at the BBC's London HQ. | |
| BBC Trust chairman Michael Lyons voiced concerns over political interference in the BBC's editorial independence. | |
| Earlier, rival broadcasters ITV, Channel 4 and Five agreed to broadcast the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal. It will be screened for the first time on Monday. | |
| 'Objective coverage' | |
| In a blog message on the BBC website explaining the decision, Mark Thompson said: "Inevitably an appeal would use pictures which are the same or similar to those we would be using in our news programmes but would do so with the objective of encouraging public donations. | |
| "The danger for the BBC is that this could be interpreted as taking a political stance on an ongoing story." When we have turned down DEC appeals in the past on impartiality grounds it has been because of this risk of giving the public the impression that the BBC was taking sides in an ongoing conflict BBC director general Mark Thompson class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/theeditors/">Mark Thompson on Gaza appeal | |
| He stressed the corporation would "continue to cover the human side of the conflict in Gaza extensively across our news services where we can place all of the issues in context in an objective and balanced way". | |
| Earlier on Saturday, police said at least 2,000 protesters gathered outside the BBC's Broadcasting House in central London, 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. |
| 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 VisionInformation on 0370 60 60 900 or at DEC website "We can't allow others to die when we have an opportunity to save their lives." | 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 VisionInformation on 0370 60 60 900 or at DEC website "We can't allow others to die when we have an opportunity to save their lives." |
| Earlier, ITV and Sky had been in agreement with the BBC that they would not air the appeal. But ITV later reversed its decision. | |
| Sky says it is still considering the Disasters Emergency Committee's request. | |
| The DEC - 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. |
| 'Human suffering' | |
| International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the British public could "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," he added. | |
| Tony Benn on the decision by the BBC not to broadcast the appeal | |
| "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. |
| But the Conservatives believed it should be played to allow the public to make up their own minds about the appeal, he said. | 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. |
| 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". | 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 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". | |
| BBC's chief operating officer Caroline Thomson defends the veto | |
| BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue said the corporation was facing "quite a lot of pressure", but its position had been shored up "a little bit" by the Trust's move. | |
| "In other words - a warning to government to say, 'Keep your tanks off our lawn,'" our correspondent said. | "In other words - a warning to government to say, 'Keep your tanks off our lawn,'" our correspondent said. |
| Geoffrey Dennis, chief executive of the global humanitarian group Care International, said it was not a time for politics. | 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." | "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." |
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 |