Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 June 2007
Kidnapped BBC reporter in 'bomb belt' video
Kidnapped BBC reporter Alan Johnson has been shown wearing what appears to be an explosives vest in a video posted on the internet by his captors. In the video, Mr Johnson warned that the explosives would be detonated if any attempt was made to free him by force. Speaking on the tape, Mr Johnson said that the situation was "very serious".
Kidnapped BBC reporter in 'bomb belt' video
Kidnapped BBC reporter Alan Johnson has been shown wearing what appears to be an explosives vest in a video posted on the internet by his captors. In the video, Mr Johnson warned that the explosives would be detonated if any attempt was made to free him by force. Speaking on the tape, Mr Johnson said that the situation was "very serious".
27 May 2011
Trust Launches Review Of BBC News Channel And BBC Parliament
The BBC Trust has launched its service review of BBC Parliament and BBC News Channel, as part of its rolling programme of service reviews. The review will look at the current performance of BBC Parliament and the News Channel - including the stations' quality, distinctiveness and value for money - and the BBC's future plans for the services.
Trust Launches Review Of BBC News Channel And BBC Parliament
The BBC Trust has launched its service review of BBC Parliament and BBC News Channel, as part of its rolling programme of service reviews. The review will look at the current performance of BBC Parliament and the News Channel - including the stations' quality, distinctiveness and value for money - and the BBC's future plans for the services.
15 December 2009
BBC Website To Offer 'Open House'
Newspapers could be facing an online revolution as the BBC is planning to open up its website on www.bbc.co.uk to other news organisation. The broadcaster's online news section may soon allow its own (free) users to see the major stories covered by the UK newspaper sites.
BBC Website To Offer 'Open House'
Newspapers could be facing an online revolution as the BBC is planning to open up its website on www.bbc.co.uk to other news organisation. The broadcaster's online news section may soon allow its own (free) users to see the major stories covered by the UK newspaper sites.
24 November 2011
'Questions Remain' Despite Murdoch Jnr Resignation
Labour's Media Secretary has said that James Murdoch still had questions to answer despite stepping down from the board of News Group Newspapers. News International, a News Corp.
'Questions Remain' Despite Murdoch Jnr Resignation
Labour's Media Secretary has said that James Murdoch still had questions to answer despite stepping down from the board of News Group Newspapers. News International, a News Corp.
17 October 2008
Sky's Burley Makes Harassment Claims
TV anchorwoman, and former Dancing On Ice contestant, Kay Burley has raised fears with police over the attention she is allegedly receiving from convicted sex offender Barry George. Mr George, who was acquitted of murdering BBC presenter Jill Dando, had earlier been stopped from entering Sky News headquarters, where Ms Burley works.
Sky's Burley Makes Harassment Claims
TV anchorwoman, and former Dancing On Ice contestant, Kay Burley has raised fears with police over the attention she is allegedly receiving from convicted sex offender Barry George. Mr George, who was acquitted of murdering BBC presenter Jill Dando, had earlier been stopped from entering Sky News headquarters, where Ms Burley works.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
