In an unprecedented collaboration, Al Jazeera English, BBC World, BBC News 24 and Sky News have come together to broadcast a special half-hour programme to raise awareness of the kidnapping of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston in Gaza in March.
The simulcast will go on air from 1330-1400 GMT on 12 April, anchored by Jeremy Bowen, the BBCs Middle East Editor, from Ramallah. It will incorporate packages from the BBC, Al-Jazeera, CNN, and Sky. It will also have live reports from BBC, Al-Jazeera and Sky anchors and correspondents in Ramallah, Gaza and London.
Richard Porter, Head of News, BBC World, said: We wanted to produce a programme which had impact in the Middle East and around the globe and we are extremely grateful for all the cooperation shown by our fellow broadcasters. We dont think this has ever happened before – but all the broadcasters involved share a common aim to highlight Alans case and to remind viewers of the dangers faced by their news teams more frequently than ever.