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26/01/2009
Sky News Joins BBC In Gaza Appeal Ban
Sky News has announced it is joining the BBC in banning the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for aid in Gaza.
The advertisement, by the DEC - an umbrella group comprising 13 UK charities - asks for donations for Palestinians who have been left without homes, food, medicine or water since the Israeli Defence Force's 22-day military attack on Gaza.
John Ryley, head of Sky News said: "The conflict in Gaza forms part of one of the most challenging and contentious stories for any news organisation to cover.
"Our commitment as journalists is to cover all sides of that story with uncompromising objectivity."
The decision comes after BBC Director General Mark Thompson said the corporation could not give the impression it was "backing one side" over the other.
The news was met with widespread criticism, with government ministers, charity leaders and 11,000 BBC viewers protesting against the corporation's stance.
The Archbishop of Canterbury also called on the BBC to change its mind. Dr Rowan Williams said his "feeling is that that the BBC should broadcast an appeal".
Golden Globe winning actress Samantha Morton, has also condemned the BBC's decision as "horrific" and "disgusting".
"I'm shocked and appalled," she said. "I've worked for the BBC since I was a small child. As a public service they've got it very wrong. I'm not as articulate about this as I would like to be because I'm so appalled.
"I will never work for the BBC again unless they change their mind."
A parliamentary motion also urging the BBC to screen the appeal was backed by more than 50 MPs from across the Commons.
Meanwhile, rival terrestrial broadcasters ITV, Channel 4 and Five all confirmed they would show the advert.
(JM/BMcC)
The advertisement, by the DEC - an umbrella group comprising 13 UK charities - asks for donations for Palestinians who have been left without homes, food, medicine or water since the Israeli Defence Force's 22-day military attack on Gaza.
John Ryley, head of Sky News said: "The conflict in Gaza forms part of one of the most challenging and contentious stories for any news organisation to cover.
"Our commitment as journalists is to cover all sides of that story with uncompromising objectivity."
The decision comes after BBC Director General Mark Thompson said the corporation could not give the impression it was "backing one side" over the other.
The news was met with widespread criticism, with government ministers, charity leaders and 11,000 BBC viewers protesting against the corporation's stance.
The Archbishop of Canterbury also called on the BBC to change its mind. Dr Rowan Williams said his "feeling is that that the BBC should broadcast an appeal".
Golden Globe winning actress Samantha Morton, has also condemned the BBC's decision as "horrific" and "disgusting".
"I'm shocked and appalled," she said. "I've worked for the BBC since I was a small child. As a public service they've got it very wrong. I'm not as articulate about this as I would like to be because I'm so appalled.
"I will never work for the BBC again unless they change their mind."
A parliamentary motion also urging the BBC to screen the appeal was backed by more than 50 MPs from across the Commons.
Meanwhile, rival terrestrial broadcasters ITV, Channel 4 and Five all confirmed they would show the advert.
(JM/BMcC)
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