The BBC is under pressure to air a charity appeal for aid to Gaza after other channels agreed to

[babsbunny]

broadcast it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7848673.stm

Director general Mark Thompson has said by airing the appeal the BBC would risk reducing public confidence in its impartial coverage of the conflict.

But Communities Secretary Hazel Blears urged a review of the decision as 2,000 protested at the BBC's London HQ.

BBC Trust chairman Michael Lyons voiced concerns over political interference in the BBC's editorial independence.

Earlier, rival broadcasters ITV, Channel 4 and Five agreed to broadcast the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal. It will be screened for the first time on Monday.

[Ken Burch]

1. Air the damn appeal, Beeb.

Humanitarianism is not a political bias.

[Idealism]

2. It is a sad world when news stations refuse to air crisis due to repercussions

I have seen this in the U.S. when we were sold the Iraq War, and I am seeing it now with regards to Gaza. Shame on those who would pressure a news agency to only show their side of the story.

[truebrit71]

3. I am becoming less and less impressed with the Beeb's record as of late...

...

[LeftishBrit]

4. Here's a link to the appeal.

www.dec.org.uk