BBC Complaints [T2009012800CWS060]‏

From complaintresponse@bbc.co.uk

Thank you for your e-mail.

We note your disappointment at our decision not to broadcast
an appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee to raise funds for Gaza.

We decided not to broadcast the DEC's public appeal
because we wished to avoid any risk of compromising public confidence
in the BBC's impartiality in the context of covering a continuing news story
where issues of responsibility for civilian suffering and distress are intrinsic
to the story and remain highly contentious. We also could not be confident that
the aid resulting from audience donations could reach those it was intended for
at a time of a fragile ceasefire and sporadic border access.
We will of course continue to report the humanitarian story in Gaza.

The BBC's director-general Mark Thompson has therefore explained
the decision in more detail in a number of television and radio broadcasts
and online at our Editors' blog.
Please follow the link to read his explanation in full:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/theeditors/2009/01/bbc_and_the_gaza_appeal.html

Please be assured that we have registered your comments on our audience log.
This is the internal report of audience feedback which we compile daily
for all programme makers and commissioning executives within the BBC,
and also their senior management.  It ensures that your points, and
all other comments we receive, are circulated and considered across the BBC.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact us.

Regards

BBC Complaints