Jenny Randerson launches Welsh EDM on BBC/Sky and Gaza appeal

12.00.00am GMT Tue 27th Jan 2009

Welsh Lib Dem Assembly Member for Cardiff Central, Jenny Randerson AM has today called on Assembly Members from all party to sign up to her Statement of Opinion (Assembly EDM) calling on the BBC and Sky News to screen the Disasters Emergency Committee's Gaza Appeal.

An EDM in Westminster has attracted the support of over 100 MPs and Ms Randerson hopes that AMs from all parties will help to ensure that Wales' voice is heard as well.

Jenny Randerson said: "Broadcasters have a proud history of supporting charity appeals without damaging impartiality. There will be one effect and one effect only by these decisions, namely that less money will get through to people who are in desperate need of help."

"I hope AMs from all parties will sign up to this statement, whatever their views on the conflict in Gaza."

NOTES:

Jenny Randerson's Statement of Opinion reads as follows:

The National Assembly:

Notes with concern the decision of the BBC and Sky News not to screen the Disaster Emergency Committee's appeal for support to help aid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Notes that broadcasters have a long history of screening humanitarian appeals while maintaining impartiality on related conflicts

Congratulates ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 for screening the broadcast

Calls on the BBC and Sky News to urgently reverse this decision.