BBC right to refuse DEC request

***Image: Beau Bo D'Or***

As Beau demonstrates, there has emerged an immense anti-BBC feeling towards the refusal to broadcast a D.E.C. appeal for aid to Gaza.

It is perhaps fair to comment that the aid-situation in Gaza, following the Israeli offensive, is in dire need. The likes of the UN's Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, have articulated this awful situation in recent days and weeks extremely well. Indeed, the efforts of the Disasters Emergency Committee is indeed commendable. This I do not challenge. Moreover, the advertising campaign recently run in national newspapers demonstrated the urgent need for humanitarian aid to Gaza.

However, it is worthy of comment that the BBC's position has now come under an immense amount of criticism, not least from the likes of Tony Benn and the 'Stop the War Coalition'. This is wrong.

Mark Thompson, BBC Director-General, recently commented:

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."

This seems the most reasonable stance the BBC could possibly take - not least because the inevitable reporting of the BBC would be called into question if appeals of this nature are seen to run directly before news programs (as happen after the Asian Tsunami).

For this reason, it perhaps seems unfair (and lacking in understanding) for the likes of Dr. John Sentamu to openly criticise the BBC. Indeed, tonight the Culture Secretary, Andy Burnham, has himself said the BBC is in an awkward position.

However, and perhaps most importantly, in this debate one crucial aspect must not be overlooked. The time for cries of retribution and unfairness are not at hand when thousands face the most pressing man-made humanitarian crisis at the moment.

Surely that should be the focus and not whether or not an impartial broadcaster should be forced to broadcast an intentionally biased campaign?