How can this be? Freedom of choice suspended?

[TWSTEEL]

Agree with the decision of the BBC or not this is a ridiculous situation.

The BBC has been forced to suspend an internal investigation into the Gaza aid appeal controversy after being threatened with legal action.

A special committee set up by the BBC Trust was due to report next week on the corporation's decision not to broadcast an appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which prompted more than 15,000 complaints.
However, the process was halted when the BBC received a letter from a firm of solicitors threatening to take the corporation to judicial review if it does not screen the appeal.
The letter, from London law firm Hickman & Rose, was sent on behalf of two Gaza residents and one British citizen. It is understood to claim that the BBC's actions were "irrational or unlawful" and breached the European Convention of Human Rights.

[AJS-]

Bizzare. I reckon my human rights are infringed by TV constantly showing Britain's Chaviest tt, while continually refusing to fund my AJS- Does Le Mans 24 hours documentary.

[Astacus]

TWSTEEL said:

Agree with the decision of the BBC or not this is a ridiculous situation.

The BBC has been forced to suspend an internal investigation into the Gaza aid appeal controversy after being threatened with legal action.

A special committee set up by the BBC Trust was due to report next week on the corporation's decision not to broadcast an appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which prompted more than 15,000 complaints.
However, the process was halted when the BBC received a letter from a firm of solicitors threatening to take the corporation to judicial review if it does not screen the appeal.
The letter, from London law firm Hickman & Rose, was sent on behalf of two Gaza residents and one British citizen. It is understood to claim that the BBC's actions were "irrational or unlawful" and breached the European Convention of Human Rights.

Ohhh this'llbegood.
: popcorn smiley:

Edited by Astacus on Friday 30th January 23:27

[voyds9]

What next compulsory donations

[odyssey2200]

Well just to prove the point, even if they show it I will turn off.

regardless of the rights or wrongs of Gaza this is

[pokethepope]

So did the BBC stop the investigation because they think they would lose the court battle if it ever got taken that far, or do they not want to risk the costs/more bad publicity?

[Chris_w666]

How can a business refusing to do something be unlawful? The BBC wanted to remain impartial surely that is their choice?

The people infringing human rights are those responsible for the situation in Gaza on both sides of the argument. Or are the Match of the Day, Top Gear, and Ground Force producers now war criminals?

[Captain Cadillac]

This is flat-out disgusting.

Another $100 to the JDF from me for this stupidity.

[TWSTEEL]

odyssey2200 said:

Well just to prove the point, even if they show it I will turn off.

regardless of the rights or wrongs of Gaza this is

+1

Sorry but had to retire up the wooden hill after posting :yawn:

[elster]

I would of stopped the investigation at that point. I would also of sent a letter back stating that no one tells us what to put on, this isn't a dictatorship.

If they do have to show it, I hope it is a 3am Monday morning viewing only.

[TWSTEEL]

Next it'll be a case of " You WILL show the Party Political Broadcast of the Attila the Hun Peace Party"

Edited by TWSTEEL on Saturday 31st January 09:22

[paoloh]

I am going to go and film myself masturbating and then threaten to sue the beeb unless it airs it before the new series of Top Gear..................

[johnfm]

can't see how a judicial review can be applied to the actions of a broadcaster. A local authority, or council or a government department.

But I'm not sure the BBC, even though it is funded by a licence fee, can be the subject of 'judicial review'.

Daft.

[metro lover]

don't these people have anything better to do? you'd have thought so wouldn't you