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Acevo launches latest attack on BBC and Sky over Gaza DEC appeal

Finance | Vibeka Mair | 2 Feb 2009

Acevo has criticised the BBC and Sky for refusing to broadcast the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Gaza Crisis Appeal, calling their behaviour "appalling".

It is the third attack on the BBC and Sky from organisations within the charity sector this week.

Acevo chief executive, Stephen Bubb, has questioned the broadcasters' excuse for vetoing the appeal. The BBC has insisted showing the appeal will jeopardise its impartiality, while Sky News has said running the DEC advert is "incompatible" with its objective role.

"I am appalled at the decision by the BBC not to broadcast the DEC appeal for Gaza," Bubb said. "It is not for the BBC to decide whether or not aid can get through when the charities concerned say that they can do this. I seriously question the argument that this shows partiality.

"It is for the British public to determine if they wish to give humanitarian support and it is deeply disappointing that the decision that both the BBC and Sky have taken will impede the collection of that aid."

Charity Commission urges rethink

The Charity Commission was the first organisation to wade in to the debate last week, when Dame Suzi Leather, chair of the Commission, called on the BBC and Sky to reconsider their decision to veto the DEC appeal.

"The need for charitable humanitarian aid in Gaza is desperate," she said. "It is critical that the broadcasters, the banks, and other organisations do all they can to publicise and support this humanitarian appeal of behalf of hundreds of thousands of people in desperate and undeniable need in Gaza today."

The Institute of Fundraising has also slammed the BBC and Sky, accusing the broadcasters of being too "risk-averse" to give airtime to the appeal.

NCVO seeks to make peace

The NCVO, however, has taken a more measured approach to the row, offering to mediate between the DEC and the BBC.

Stuart Etherington, chief executive, said: "NCVO would be happy to broker discussions between the two parties to find a solution to this issue and to strengthen relationships beyond this appeal."

The DEC Gaza Crisis Appeal, which is calling for funds to help people affected by the crisis in Gaza, will air on ITV, Channel 4 and Five tonight.

Image courtesy of DEC.

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Directory: Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) | National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)
Who's Who: Vibeka Mair | Sir Stuart Etherington | Sir Stephen Bubb