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Staff anger over BBC’s refusal to broadcast Gaza appeal
Nicholas Cecil26.01.09
BBC bosses faced outrage today from their staff and stars over their refusal to screen an aid appeal for Gaza.
They were accused of losing their “heart, common sense and humanity”. Sir John Tusa, former BBC Worldservice chief, led the criticism.
He said: “This is a sadly wrong decision and I say that as somebody who has worked for the BBC for 50 years.
“When you see images of the devastated landscape, when you see images of dead children and of orphaned families and children, you are appealing to people's common humanity.
“Nobody surely in their right mind can say that is being partial' towards the victims. I think the public response shows the common humanity of looking at those scenes and saying for God's sake, let's help them'.
“How did the BBC feel when it took this decision? I think it thought very, very hard and it left its heart behind. A great organisation has to have a heart. Common sense and some humanity seem to have been left behind.”
BBC director-general Mark Thompson was accused by BBC Radio's Today programme presenter John Humphrys of being “immensely patronising” for blocking the broadcast.
There was also “fury” at the BBC News morning meeting, sources told The Guardian which also reported “widespread disgust” among news reporters.
Mr Thompson defended his ruling not to show the appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee, insisting he did so to protect BBC impartiality. He said: “This is not some new policy or some mad one-off decision. It's absolutely in line with our broader approach both to impartiality and to appeals. We are passionate about defending the BBC's impartiality.”
Mr Thompson won some breathing space from the wave of criticism, which includes more than 10,000 complaints, after Sky also refused to show the advert. Downing Street also toned down previous criticism from Cabinet ministers, insisting it did not want to interfere in the BBC's editorial decisions, and Tory MP John Whittingdale, who chairs the all-party Commons media committee, backed the Corporation.
But by lunchtime, nearly 100 MPs had joined a Commons campaign condemning the BBC's decision which has also been attacked by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.
Tory MP Nigel Evans, a long time critic of the BBC, even accused it of “adding to the misery and suffering of the people of Gaza” with its “insane obstinacy.” Stars also turned on the Corporation.
Actress Samantha Morton led celebrities who criticised the BBC's decision at a central London fund raiser for the British aid agency Medical Aid for Palestinians last night.
The 31-year-old Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee said she would never work for the BBC again if the corporation failed to show the charity appeal.
Others at the event in central London included actresses Juliet Stevenson and Julia Sawalha, as well as Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens.
The corporation's rival terrestrial broadcasters ITV, Channel 4 and Five all said they would show the advert.
The DEC emergency appeal is for funds for food, medicine and blankets following the Israeli assault.
Pro-Palestinian supporters were holding a rally outside BBC Broadcasting House this afternoon with hundreds expected to turn up.
A BBC spokesman played down claims of internal conflicts over the appeal, saying he did not “recognise the picture painted” in The Guardian.
Reader views (81)
I sincerely hope that these "celebrities" (who of course know far more about Middle East politics than the rest of us) are putting some of their own money where their flapping mouths are.
It's absolutely fine for them to support whatever political cause they choose, no argument with that, but they cannot and should not seek to bully a publicly funded broadcaster to jump on their self-serving bandwagon. They don't need the BBC's coverage to hold a successful fundraising event, there are plenty of other things that they could do.
- Helen, London, UK
The BBC have actualy doubled the publicity for the people of Gaza by reporting their refusal to air the appeal. Well done.
- Lucy, truro
The BBC should stick to their guns. Where is Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai and the likes, who should be offering aid? £20 million to them each is a spit in the ocean. Why aren't Arab states looking after their own, why always us?
- Sue, Orpington, Kent
I support the BBC's decision (and also of course Sky) not to broadcast this appeal. I am disappointed by Channel 5.
A natural disaster is one thing - a man-made quite another and if the BBC starts broadcasting appeals for Gaza, it would become a political pawn. Next would be an appeal for Israel. Before we know it every country that wishes to go to war with its neighbour will be appealing (or using TV channels to become propaganda tools) all over the place.
News channels must remain impartial and report fairly so the viewer can make up their own minds.
- Anne, London
I have financial debt. My job is totally not secure. But still donated 50 pounds to the dec, only because I know no matter how bad I have it they will need it more...
- Since1982, NYC, USA
It is strange how much control that the monarchy has over the media in the UK.
Don't the people of the UK think that there is something wrong with the monarchy telling them what can be broadcast?
- George, Harrisburg, United States
Shame on you BBC! Have a heart!
- Rara, UK
Hello
once again we see some taking advantage of the situaion to protest violently. did they take to the streets protesting when their own kind destroy schools and hospitals, some of which built with aid money. why don't they protest against their own terrorist groups. double standards. I come from a third world country and I know that, in many cases, the funds have to go through the gov and by the time the money reaches those it's intended for, part of it is gone. this was not a natural disaster. this was the work of terrorists, they destroy and expect the world to rebuild. hamas should rebuild with the millions of dollars it receives from its supporters and organisations financing it. the bbc is right.
- Beljamine, uk
The BBC is supported by all of us and it should not be biased against us. It should reverse its decision.
- Charles Zacharia, London
At the end of the day it is INNOCENT people who are just trying to live their life who are suffering. Its not about politics or religion its about helping the innocent people who didn't ask for any of this.
- Yasmin, London, UK
The BBC is renowned throughout the world as an impartial and highly trusted independent broadcaster. To advertise an appeal.which many would see as political support for a particular body is dangerous given the Middle East history.
- David Crowhurst, Gillingham England
The BBC should stick by its guns. The EU is already providing millions from our taxes to these organizations and it is shameful for them to take advantage of this delicate situation without being fair to both sides. Why are they not appealing for the Congo or Darfur where people are starving.
- Norman, London UK
Perhaps those BBC news reporters who expressed "widespread disgust" should resign,following a management decision they did not agree with.
Or is that too much to hope for?
- Jon Dee, Warks UK
It's so wrong not to help the children as they were the majority hurt or dead.The children are supposed to be the future,what does the BBC message say to them,
- Rene Dunn, London.England
I am disgusted that there are people condoning the massacre in Gaza and are even angry at anyone trying to help the dying and injured.
BBC & SKY RIP
- John Smith, London , England
I have not seen adverts on the BBC for charities shown when they talk about people in third world countries facing starvation, poverty and the risk of death so where are the complaints about that?
- Louise, London
re:"Dear Julian, the "majority", silent as always, are in my mind against spending EU cash on offensive weapons. If people in Kent or Surrey were sending rockets into London, perhaps you would not mind?"
Yes Jonathan, well done, that's exactly what I'm saying. How does this relate to an appeal for the victim's of the situation in Gaza?
- Julian, london
Since when has the BBC any obligation to support a charity or another ? As it happens I just paid for the renewal of my TV license and no, I do not wish the BBC to side in this nasty conflict.
- Josephine Thalbach, London, England
Too many people believe without question what they read or see in the press. They comment and take part in rallies on subjects that they have no knowledge or experience of. It is essential, therefore that a respected organisation like the BBC (and Sky) remain impartial and, at the end of the day, broadcast what they deem is correct, not what the (uneducated) population want. Plenty of pictures of injured children in Iraq and Kuwait in the past: where were those voices then????
- Niall Harris, Brighton, England
If your collecting donations for Gaza, you must collect for Israel. BBC is right as far as I am concerned in its stance. Thats not stopping any of you from donating - the news coverage has exposed the problems to you all - surely you can make up your minds as to whether you want to donate or not without having your TV tell you to do it?
- Natty, London
The critics are not responsible for upholding the BBC Charter.
The BBC is right in this instance to decline the DEC request for airtime.
If parliament wishes to change the status of the BBC,it should do so on a free vote.
Otherwise politicians should refrain from interfering in editorial decisions
- Gapster, London
If you want to give, then give. If you dont want to give, thats fine as well, but will people, actors , politicians and all the others, please stop arguing and demonstrating , and geberally getting on everyones nerves.
As someone has already pointed out earlier, the neighbouring Arab countries are more than capable of supplying everything needed rather than investing it all here in Premiership football clubs.
Now can we all please get back to taling about the recession and Jonathan Ross.
- Jon, Radlett
I am disgusted that BBC and SKY has refused to allow Gaza appeal adverts when these people deserve right for freedom and pursue their democratic rights for existence and help from international community. As an ex-patriot of my country I am ashamed of limitation of civil liberties, human rights and voice of truth in my native country. Why don't we all raise our voice and submit a petition to abolish BBC tax for lack of transparency, double standards and devaluation of civil liberties, freedoms and manipulation of public opinion? From now I will not obviously subscribe for any SKY channels and pay for this kind of "democracy" and will not listen or read BBC online. They both have betrayed my values and basic human foundations of ability to know the truth!
Regards,
- Mike Stubbs, Belfast, UK
Do you neeed an appeal to donate money. Stop the complaining and donate money if thats what you want to do. You all know about this appeal, its being broadcast on several other stations and as soon as its on your all turn over anyway, no one watches. Stop moaning and blaming this one and that one. Its all had far more publicity then if they did show it.
- Barold, Ilford
Raising money to help wounded children. How does that constitute impartiality?
- Suls, London
Some of the mean spirited comments seen here are unbearably simplistic. Without taking sides or entering into religious or political arguments , there are people facing a humanitarian disaster and even implying that these victimized innocents should be left to their own devices is truly shocking. Even if Hamas end up with a portion of the money and aid I am still willing to give to Gaza for the good portion that reaches people in dire need. Factories, Mosques, water and electricity supplies, schools, hospitals and UN compounds have been deliberately destroyed to cripple Palestine and any hope of a peace resolution. I for one do not buy disgraceful Isreali propaganda which tells us that there were terrorist cells hiding in every flattened building ...
- Rod Tennant, London, UK
Looking at this article by Guy Adams in the Independent Tuesday, 29 November 2005, which headlines ,BBC chief holds peace talks in Jerusalem with Ariel Sharon,
“Not many people know this, but Mark is actually a deeply religious man and his wife is Jewish, and he has a far greater regard for the Israeli cause than some of his predecessors."
Fascinating, then we are expected to believe that he will not to be biased. Come on people!
- Robert Strand, birmingham
We should all stop watching BBC and SKY if they thiink they are wrong .It shows who they support Birds? Human or terrorist !Than they always talk about civilised people. They have been exposed by our British people and the whole world . I salute people like EVENING STANDARD and ITV and others who is supporting this good human cause.
- Sam, BLACKBURN UK
i agree with the BBC - stay impartial, we have enough to contend with in this country given the economy,
The BBC have done amazing things to publish and support natural disasters, and they should be appluaded for what they have done, and for the stance taken this time
this isnt a natural disaster - at its core is politics, hatred and religion
- Dave, manchester
At last the BBC decides to be apolitical and not allow the rantings of the easily led left wing birdbrains.
Well done. The more a stand is made against the criminal and murderous policies of Hamas the less they will use their sub human tactics,not against the Israelis but their own people).
- Minnie, London, UK
The BBC and Sky are absolutely right on the stand they have taken.
- Wayne, Allentown USA
I don't recall the BBC ever broadcasting an appeal to help the Israeli civilians injured or made homeless by Hamas attacks....why should they broadcast an appeal for one side and not the other?
- Linzi, Largo, USA
I agree with BBC & Sky. How do we know that money given raised will not go and line Hamas's pockets. Happened before. Also if a sheikh can afford to spend £100m on a man City Player, then surely he could donate just 10% of that....just thinking..
- David, UK
What is all the fuss about - if anyone wants to give, there is no problem giving the money to the Red Cross - they will be supplying blankets, food etc - what does it matter about an advert on the BBC. Also, if actors etc want recognition, there is no need to say that they aren't going to appear on the BBC - no-one is indispensible.
- Pam, North Wales
Are they joking? They really want to raise funds and provide them to Hamas, an organisation that uses suicide bombers, fires rockets at another country and brings upon its citizens tragic and regrettable consequences. Very odd indeed. Well done BBC, stay impartial on this
- Trevor, Belgium
jeez it's being broadcasted on the other channels so no one will miss it
- Nl, london
Gaza needs no more publicity and the BBC is correct in its stand against the lefties.
One other thing however, because of oil the Arab Nations have huge sovereign wealth funds and they can afford to donate much more easily than we. How much have they donated?
- Anglo, Sussex England
If the stars refuse to appear on BBC programmes tough. I'm sorry but the vacuous idiots who seen to think that the Oscars and other similar awards are the most important thing after themselves and t.v. soaps don't deserve to have their opinions broadcast far and wide. The BBC and Sky are totally correct in their stance.
- Dennis, Taplow. U.K.
Mr Triffidqueen's comment is absolutely correct. Charity begins at home.
- Cath, London
Give to Hamas if you wish, your money will not be spent as you expect.
Hamas has bled Gaza dry over 10's of years using UN funding, and of course has expelled all the Charities except the ones who agree to work under their control.
S, give to Hamas if you wish, the BBC, ITV and SKY are right not to broadcast appeals for terrorist funding.
- Cap, london
I am sick and tired of 'stars' telling me what to do. If they feel so strongly about an issue, they can donate all the money they want. They seem to think that prancing on a stage or marching and shouting for an hour or two makes them more 'caring' or 'moral' than the rest of us. The fact is that they do not sarifice their luxuries for anybody, but expect Joe public to make them feel good. For once the BBC has done the right thing.
I give money to the causes I care about without anybody
lecturing me.
- Beatriz, London
Let us hope that the largest donation comes from the Arms Dealers.
- Henry Morkinthen Styles, West Hampstead
How strange,we sell arms to one country to enable them to attack,then ask for donations to help those on the receiving end.
- Julie, London
I am not going to contribute to the Hamas buy a rocket fund which is where the money will end up.
- Tom, Watford (UK)
If these so called "stars" don't wish to work for the BBC then so be it. I wonder how long they would last without the bottomless pit of public money otherwise known as the BBC.
- John W, Twickenham
Perhaps by publicly announcing they will not show the appeal they are actually producing far more publicity than if they showed the appeal?
Just a thought!
- Liberal Thinker, UK
Great news, the BBC has blown what little impartiality thay thought thay had by refusing to screen the appeal for the suffering civilians of Gaza.Its a humanitarian appeal to ease the suffering of children and civilians.Its above the politics,by there refusal thay have shown there true true allegiance,and blown the false image that the BBC is impartial.
- Kev, London-UK
If the government took some of the money it sends to Israel and diverted to Gazza, we wouldnt need an appeal.
So come on Mr Brown if you can find billions and billions for the useless banks, do the right thing and send some money to repair the injustice in Gazza. Then the BBC can go about its business to inform and entertain and not get involved with cash appeals
- Mr .S.Pye, London
I think the BBC is right in the decision it has taken. There has been real concern about its impartiality in reporting on Gaza. This incident has, in any event, given enough publicity to the appeal for aid. Happy to see the back of these "so called" stars. Most of these lovies are shockingly ill -informed about current affairs: I heard one just only yesterday saying that Isreal was founded on "stolen" land from a Palestinian State, without any knowlegde of the fact that the foundation of Israel as a State was sanctioned by the UN, and there has never been a Palestinian state as such.
- Alan, London
Dear Julian, the "majority", silent as always, are in my mind against spending EU cash on offensive weapons. If people in Kent or Surrey were sending rockets into London, perhaps you would not mind?
- Jonathan Montmorency, cooden, uk.
After the Tsunami, there was a massive global effort to raise funds but it is not clear whether the money was spent as intended. In the case of Gaza it is also far from clear how the effort to provide humanitarian relief will be managed. This is not to deny, in any way, that every possible assistance should be given to innocent victims in Gaza but that is not the same as appealing to individual charity for the solution (rather than, say, a concerted effort by international governments). Looked at from this point of view, the case against the BBC is not as persuasive as critics would like to suggest.
- Simon, london
Well done BBC, for staying impartial, for once!
- David, Plumstead, London
At this moment in time, the only thing I care about is myself. Sounds selfish, but the way the economy is going, this countrys problems need to be addressed first. Far too much money has been handed out over the years to other countries, it's about time it started staying here.
- Triffidqueen, Desk in London
Why do viewers need to actually see an advert for the Appeal by DEC? We have all seen the devastation and destruction of civilian homes in Gaza. Each of us is aware of the appalling suffering being experienced by people.
I have donated £250. It's all I can afford. But it's more than £150, and I didn't need a charity dinner to cough up. But maybe Samantha Morton needs the publicity.
And, before you wonder, I would probably also donate to a similar fund organised for the population of Sderot, if only the BBC would show us the footage in their newsreels.
- Haskey, London
"Stars vow to shun BBC"
Great news. Now perhaps the BBC can return to quality programmes that discover talent instead of overpaying it.
- Bj, London
A little impartiality from that organisation would be welcome.
- Kenharvey, Ramsgate, South Africa.
Is it any wonder why this part of the world hates the west. We take away their land we bomb them from above and below, kill their women and children, destroy their homes, schools and hospitals, cut off their food supplies, water and electricity, and now in the name of impartiality refuse an appeal for aid.
Is it any wonder why there is terrorism in the world.
- Mr .S.Port, London
Its because of impartiality and not getting too involved in the problems of relationships that has turned man against man. Politics and dogmas are they more important than the lives of people like you and your family . The BBc would be well viewed if it has the power to rise above politics and sees the human needs.
- Adrian, Marseille France
I have a great respect for the BBC but what a disgrace for refusing to broadcast this emergency appeal for helping these poor children in Gaza. BBC WAKE UP PLEASE, BRITISH ARE VERY GENEROUS !!!
- Nassir Abdi, London, England
Whilst I deplore the decision of the BBC not to broadcast the Gaza appeal, it has triggered the law of unintended consequences. As a result of the controversy that the decision has caused, the appeal has had far more publicity than it would have had had the BBC simply approved the broadcast.
- Martin Fielding, London, England
Could anyone suggest that Jonathan Ross boycotts the BBC for ever?
- Kerwood, London
The BBC should understand that this is a humanitarian crisis, nothing to do with politics.
- Greg Mathis, London
These lefty-liberals. There are just as many people who agree with the BBC. These 'Celebs' do not represent me.
- Frank, Home Counties, England
The BBC should remain impartial in all of it's political dealings whether UK or Worldwide, they are absolutely correct to steer well clear.
- Bob, Cheam
Unfortunately this issue has become the 'trendy' issue of the day for celebs, who in reality have very little understanding of the complexities of the Middle East. However, I think the BBC lost its impartiality for coverage in this region many years ago, so broadcasting the DEC appeal wouldn't make much difference to its reputation.
- Adam, London
The BBC are quite correct. They must remain neutral. Individual celebs can do what they want. The BBC can't.
- Nigel Howse, Baltimore USA
The BBC are right not to broadcast the appeal. Who says the money won't go straight to Hamas? And as someone else here has said it's not as if we don't all know about the DEC and we can all find a way to contribute if we want to... An appeal is tantamount to condoning the view that they are the victims and we all know it's a little more complicated than that.
- Lewis, London
the hysterical 'our opinion is the only one' protests confirm that, in this case, the bbc has made the right decision.
- Jules_London, london
This appeal is already getting more air time than it would have done.
- Paul, London
Let's not have the appeal and keep these over paid, so called stars off our screens. That will keep my license fee down, or is Jonathon Ross not one of them?
- Alan, carlisle uk
Would you care to enlighten us as to what "the majority" are feeling Jonathan? I'd love to know.
- Julian, london
I'd agree with the BBC.
They can't show the destruction without it being anti israeli ! WIth most appeals there can be a generalisation, with this the destruction was caused by the Israeli Army, and the view of this would be that those responsible are............??
There is no way that the BBC could ake this appear even handed and as such it has done the right thing, and if people can't now work out that there is a DEC appeal.....
- John Whitby, Peterborough, Cambs
These people are not celebrities they are make-weights.
- Steve.W, B'ham UK
The Red Cross and other agencies are not asking us to contribute towards the Gaza situation, their appeal is to help the woman and children of the area.
- George Cohen, London
I'm disappointed by the BBC's decision in this matter. They've dug themselves into a hole once again and don't know what to do. At least with Sky I can show my protest against their decision by cancelling my subscription - which I've just done.
- Patrick Cain, London
I always knew Samantha was as great person as she is an actress.
- John, Oz, Utopia
If we really want to be charitable why aren't we collecting money for Israeli families in Sderot who have been under attack for the last 7 years aswell as the children in Gaza. Well done to the BBC for being impartial.
- Anon, London
People are free to donate to the DEC appeal through the usual channels, as the BBC, to its credit, points out nearly every time it repeats that it is not "broadcasting" the appeal. I don't know why the BBC are suddenly concerned about appearing anti-Israeli. Besides, what is anti-Israeli about this appeal? No one in Israel will object to re-building Gaza. I imagine Israel will be leading the donations.
- Bloke, London
Funny, I didn't hear any so-called 'celebrity' outcry over troubles in other parts of the world, where a lot more people are suffering a lot more hardship. We've all seen the sufferings of the Arabs in Gaza, but starving? We've also seen, unfortunately, what starving people really look like...
- Adair, Tel Aviv
Surely if people want to contribut to this cause they know how without a prompt from the BBC. It has gained enough hype already to bring it to people's notice so why does it need more publicity. Perhaps the people complaining should put their money where their hot air is.
- Anon, UK
Let us have the appeal, so that these so-called stars can see how the majority of the population feel about the Gaza situation. The result may not please them...
- Jonathan Montmorency, cooden.uk.
