Posted on 09/06/2007 9:59:20 AM PDT by Turret Gunner A20
The BBC has cancelled a plan for a Comic Relief-style day of programmes about environmental issues a week after it came under fire from two of its most senior news and current affairs executives over impartiality issues surrounding the TV special.
Planet Relief would have highlighted concerns about global warming and encouraged viewers to take part in a mass "switch-off" to save energy. Ricky Gervais and Graham Norton were among the celebrities mooted to take part.
However, it faced criticism from the BBC head of TV news, Peter Horrocks, and the Newsnight editor, Peter Barron, at the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival 10 days ago amid concerns that it would breach the corporation's guidelines on impartiality.
Asked whether the BBC should campaign on issues such as climate change, Mr Horrocks told a session at the TV festival: "I absolutely don't think we should do that because it's not impartial. It's not our job to lead people and proselytise about it."
Barron added: "It is absolutely not the BBC's job to save the planet. I think there are a lot of people who think that, but it must be stopped."
Documentary maker Martin Durkin, whose film The Great Global Warming Swindle attracted a large number of complaints when it was shown on Channel 4, also criticised the programme idea.
(Excerpt) Read more at media.guardian.co.uk ...
Honest, cross my heart and hope to .... Well -- I do.
**snicker**
What a bunch of horse dump.
This is like if John Wayne Gacy only killed 32 kids instead of 33 kids because he did not want to be considered a mass murderer.
Perhaps the BBC was concerned at the effect that a "mass switch-off" might have on them.
On a side note: I was sorry to hear that Rick Gervais of The Office (original) and Extras (HBO) was slated to take part in this.
Maybe they hadn't bought any carbon credits.
Same stuff...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1891977/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1891472/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1891368/posts
OOOOPS!!!!
Looks like it’s giving several people a good laugh.
Al Gore - An Incontinent Truth.
Maybe the BBC doesn’t want to be caught out in the front on this issue when the whole house of cards comes tumbling down.
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