The BBC and Sky News are to broadcast an appeal to help people affected by the Gaza conflict, after having refused to air a similar film four years ago. In 2009, the BBC and Sky News declined to broadcast the Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, claiming it would compromise their impartiality in reporting the conflict. But both networks as well as ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, which broadcast the 2009 appeal, have accepted the latest film meets the DEC’s “appeal criteria”, the charity body said. The DEC organised the appeal, which will air on Friday, to help the hundreds of thousands of people who have fled their homes in Gaza. Brendan Paddy, head of communications at the DEC, said: “We’ve made the case to all broadcasters that our appeal criteria had been met and all have agreed and have said they will carry the appeal.” The BBC’s refusal, along with other broadcasters, to air a DEC appeal for Gaza on 22 January 2009 sparked protests ...

From the Guardian today: "Sources have said there was "fury" at the BBC News morning meeting today about the decision, with news editors saying they had not been consulted on the move to not show the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal, which is to be broadcast tonight on ITV, Channel 4 and Channel Five." "Sources within the BBC have questioned whether its internal Balen report into its Middle East coverage, which the corporation has refused to publish, has influenced its decision on the DEC appeal. An appeal to the House of Lords to force the BBC to publish the report is currently ongoing" Director General Mark Thompson is turning the BBC into a laughing stock around the world

BBC Scotland headquarters occupied after refusal to show DEC Gaza aid appeal – Occupation victorious in highlighting the issue GLASGOW – Over 100 people participated in an occupation of the BBC Scotland headquarters today, demanding that the broadcaster show the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for Gaza. Occupiers entered the building at 5pm, and despite the police threatening mass arrests to remove everyone within 15 minutes, the occupation remained for almost 4 hours. The occupation was successful in applying additional pressure on the BBC through extensive national and international media coverage, including CNN, CBS and Al-Jazeera. Tony Benn also telephoned the occupation to offer his support, saying 'The decision to occupy the BBC in Glasgow must be understood as a plea for the people of Gaza, who are suffering so much and who need our help to help get the money through'. A delegation from the occupation was elected to meet with Ian Small, Head of Public Policy & C...

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Great demo today at the BBC today. BBC now isolated as the only broadcaster [Sky not showing appeal - update 28 Jan 09] not showing the Disaster Emergencies appeal for Gaza. Shame on the BBC.