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Woolas’s anger over BBC’s decision
Date published: 26 January 2009
AN Oldham MP has slammed the BBC over its decision not to screen an appeal to raise emergency funds for Gaza.
Phil Woolas who, as a fundraiser for War On Want raised cash for the West Bank and Gaza, told BBC director general Mark Thompson that he and many Oldhamers were disgusted by the decision.
The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP and former BBC producer said: “I cannot tell you how angry I am about this and many of my constituents support me.
“The appeal has the backing of a wide spectrum of charities and is entirely humanitarian.
“Virtually all DEC (Disaster Emergency Committee) appeals come about because of, or are hindered by, conflict. To block this sets an appalling precedent.”
The call comes as ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 on Saturday announced they would screen an appeal to raise emergency funds, but Sky News is following the BBC’s lead and has refused.
More than 5,000 people protested across London at the weekend as the BBC came under increased pressure from Government to reverse its decision.
The BBC refused to broadcast the humanitarian appeal on the grounds that it did not want to risk public confidence in its impartiality.
Douglas Alexander, secretary of state for international development, has also called on the BBC to re-think.
He said the public would be “shocked and angered” at the BBC’s position that its perceived impartiality was more in important than the suffering of the people of Gaza.
BBC boss Mr Thompson, in a letter to Mr Alexander, said: “After consultation with senior news editors, we concluded that to broadcast a free-standing appeal, no matter how carefully couched, ran the risk of calling into question the public’s confidence in the BBC’s impartiality.
“We will continue to broadcast news about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We cannot, however, broadcast anything which we believe might compromise the impartiality of the BBC’s journalism.”
A motion condemning the BBC’s refusal to broadcast the TV and radio appeal is set to be tabled in Parliament today.
Comments
Instead of getting hysterical at the BBC's stance over the foreign conflict that is Gaza, why aren't these do-gooders, and those with agendas crying out over the BBC's shocking non reporting of a war that WE as a nation are actually fighting, namely Afghanistan ! Our servicemen are out there making the ultimate sacrifice in our name and the nations boadcaster patently dosen't think it's worth covering with the gravitas it so patently needs. Shame on them all.
I do not concur with all of Phil’s policies but he got this correct. An appeal for the humanitarian crisis is broadcast on all terrestrial channels except the BBC. How could this compromise impartiality. The appeal makes no mention of ‘Israel’ whilst Board of Deputies of British Jews added: "There is no doubt that any appeal which simply seeks to raise money for innocent civilians should be applauded." This reinforces the need to abolish the TV licence which is a means of the BBC’s existence.
Surprise Surprise… has this got something to do with the fact that Phil Woolas was
booed of stage at the anti-war protest that took place in Oldham a couple of weeks ago? I ask why didn’t Mr. Woolas and the Labour Government condemn Israel brutal and illegal attack on Gaza (as many of his constituents would have supported this stance). I also ask will Mr. Woolas vote against the sales of arms to Israel by the UK Government?
Mr Woolas is so angry that he can't even be bothered to put his name to Early Day Motion (EDM) 585 condemning the BBC decision. What a surprise.
Have Your Say
I don't always agree with Phil Woolas but he is spot on with condemning the BBC. How can it be 'impartial' not to broadcast the appeal, surely that is kowtowing to the Israeli lobby. The BBC are abhorrent in this matter, however, because of the controversy they have actually brought the appeal more into the public eye.
By Road Rocket @ 26/01/2009 14:43:55