Inexplicable Impartiality - the BBC

The BBC has confounded the British public, politicians and Aid Organisations by choosing not to screen an appeal in aid of Gaza, saying it would compromise the impartiality of the BBC and they expressed some doubt that aid could be delivered effectively. During the Israeli military offensive, Israeli government spokeswoman Livni said there is, 'no humanitarian crisis in Gaza', and by invading Gaza, the humanitarian situation was, 'kept exactly as it should be'.

Other channels are broadcasting the appeal on behalf of the DEC. The DEC is an umbrella organisation in the U.K. for aid agencies such as Oxfam and Islamic Relief and Save the Children.

Health minister Ben Bradshaw said the decision by the BBC was, 'inexplicable' and the Stop The War organised a march in protest of the decision attended by at least 5 thousand people at Trafalgar Square, London. The British government is donating £25m to the relief fund.

Aljazeera which has reporters stationed inside Gaza reports that some aid has started to reach into Gaza, however the crisis has left 100 000 displaced from their home and 50 000 people still living in temporary shelters, there is a lot that needs to be done.

I wonder, if the BBC is worried about impartiality, why not screen the appeal and let people make up their own minds about the existence of the humanitarian crisis? - This would be more impartial than not presenting the appeal at all.

Source: Yahoo News website accessed 25/1/09 http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090124/tuk-protest-march-over-bbc-gaza-move-45dbed5.htm, Aljazeera news website accessed 25/1/09 http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2009/01/2009123194844488755.html