A Day of Action for Alan Johnston
JERUSALEM, Israel, April 12, 2007 — -- It was a first for the four major international news channels: They abandoned their fierce, competitive program schedules and broadcast the same show.
CNN International, the Sky Network, the BBC and Al Jazeera all aired a program called "Alan Johnston: Day of Action."
It included a series of reports aimed at raising awareness of the case of BBC journalist Alan Johnston, who was kidnapped on March 12 in Gaza City.
Longtime Middle East correspondent Jeremy Bowen hosted the program with segments about the increasing dangers of reporting from international hot spots like Gaza City.
Johnston's car was found abandoned after he apparently left his office in Gaza City. There are reports that Johnston was snatched by masked gunmen and forced into a white car that sped away.
Mark Thompson, director general at the BBC, speaking from the West Bank town of Ramallah earlier in the morning, issued an appeal for Johnston's release and admitted the case was especially worrying, because the kidnappers had contacted no one.
"We have not had any direct contact," said Thompson, responding to a question from a Palestinian journalist.
"We don't know and can't know why this case is taking longer than other cases of those abducted in Gaza."
It is the longest any foreign journalist has been held by kidnappers in Gaza. Those working to free Johnston are increasingly concerned about his physical and mental state.
Johnston's parents spoke at a news conference where his father, Graham, read from a letter he had prepared, in the hope Johnston might see the broadcast.
"You warned us frequently there was a chance that you would be kidnapped," Johnson said, reading steadily from a single sheet of paper.
"Your local and fellow journalists are doing a magnificent job calling for your release."
Palestinian journalists have held strikes in the Palestinian territories, refusing to report the news until the Palestinian government does more to win Johnston's release.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with BBC officials earlier in day. President Abbas said he was sure Johnston was alive and well.
However, no one appears to know for sure who has kidnapped Johnston and why he is being held.
In addition to the broadcast this morning, an effort is under way to raise awareness about Johnston's kidnapping. Posters with Johnston's photos and an appeal were unveiled in London, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Simon McGregor-Wood, Middle East bureau chief for ABC News and chairman of the Foreign Press Association, worries about the effect this has on the coverage of Gaza. The vast majority of journalists are avoiding Gaza City, fearing they may become the next kidnap victims.
"It is those stories in between," said McGregor-Wood from Ramallah. "Those stories we like to do, that provide context for our audience, those are the stories that will not be done."
Bowen ended the program on a somber note, speaking less as a journalist and more as a friend and concerned collogue. "Alan is a good and honest reporter " said Bowen, "who has done brilliant work. We miss him."