‘People will die because of the BBC’: British newspaper reaction to the BBC Gaza appeal decision

Abstract

This study examines the responses of British national newspaper editorials and op-eds to the BBC’s January 2009 decision not to air an appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee to raise money for refugees in the Gaza region. We find six prominent themes in national newspaper discourse: (1) the BBC demonstrating blatant disregard for human life; (2) the BBC ‘taking sides’; (3) raising questions as to whether the BBC was ever impartial; (4) the decision situated as part of a broader narrative of failure; (5) the decision running counter to the BBC’s public service mission; and (6) broader questions raised over the BBC’s future. Our findings indicate that the BBC’s role in British life is under continued debate. This has implications for the organization in a time when its role is under scrutiny and threat from commercial forces.