23 January 2009

BBC refuses to air Gaza DEC appeal

... fearing that if it did, the broadcaster would be seen to be biased.

Normally all broadcasters show Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeals without charge, but if one of them does wish to go ahead, then no channel will show the advertising...

"The BBC's decision was made because of question marks about the delivery of aid in a volatile situation, and also to avoid any risk of compromising public confidence in the BBC's impartiality in the context of an ongoing news story."

...The DEC is an umbrella organisation representing a number of aid agencies, including Action Aid, Save the Children, the British Red Cross, Islamic Relief and Oxfam...

The DEC had three criteria that needed to be met before it launched an appeal, namely that there was an overwhelming unmet need, that they could do something in a timely and effective way, and that there is public concern.


There is. They can. And yes, the public is concerned.

So what's your problem BBC? Biased, much?

ETA: See more on this subject here, here and here.


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