RAMALLAH, West Bank, April 12, 2007
Networks To Palestinians: Free Journalist
Al Jazeera, BBC, Sky News And CNN Air Joint Broadcast For Kidnapped BBC Reporter's Release
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The sister, father and mother of kidnapped BBC correspondent Alan Johnston pose in front of a poster of him in London's Trafalgar Square, April 12, 2007. (AP)
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BBC Director-General Mark Thompson speaks during a news conference calling for the release of kidnapped BBC journalist Alan Johnston, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, April 12, 2007. (AP)
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Palestinian journalists drive through Gaza City holding posters of kidnapped BBC correspondent Alan Johnston, April 12, 2007. (AP)
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Part of a display showing Pope Pius XII at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, April 12, 2007. Pius was pope during World War II. (AP)
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He also told his son not to worry about his family and to maintain hope.
"Chin up, my son," he said.
Later, the BBC, Sky and Al-Jazeera English cut into their regular programming in the afternoon for a joint broadcast focusing on Johnston.
The 25-minute, commercial-free live broadcast was anchored by Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's Middle East editor, from the main square in the West Bank city of Ramallah. A poster reading "Free Alan" could be seen in the background.
The three stations, as well as CNN, contributed segments on Johnson's work from Gaza, the ongoing dangers that journalists face in the chaotic territory and the protests demanding Alan be freed. They showed Johnston's empty desk in his BBC office and conducted interviews with Gaza journalists and foreign correspondents about their concerns and thoughts about their captive colleague.
"Alan is a good and honest reporter who for three years has been doing some brilliant work from Gaza," Bowen said.
In addition to the broadcast, all four stations ran stories all day highlighting Johnston's situation.
In New York, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday he was "deeply concerned" that Johnston was still being held captive and said he would do whatever he could to secure his release.
"I sincerely hope that those who are responsible for this abduction should release him unconditionally and immediately," he told reporters at U.N. headquarters.
More than a dozen foreign journalists and aid workers have been abducted by Gaza gunmen in the past 18 months, often in a bid by Palestinian militants to get money or jobs. Most have been released unharmed within hours or days. The one exception was the abduction of two Fox News employees in August. They were held two weeks before they were freed, unharmed.
In Gaza, about 200 Palestinian journalists held a rally, hoisting posters reading, "Free Alan" and "Alan, they are not one of us," referring to the kidnappers. A smaller protest was held in Ramallah.
"We are disappointed by presidential and governmental foot-dragging on the release of our kidnapped colleague," said Sakher Abu-Owan, a Palestinian journalist. "Our concern over Alan's safety is growing every day."
Thompson, the BBC director, said there have been no contacts with Johnston's captors, and no demands from them.
"It is vital for all journalists to be able to report freely and without fear of harassment and intimidation," he said.
"I appeal to all those who may have influence with the kidnappers to use their best endeavors to secure Alan's release, safely and speedily, and to ensure his return to his family and friends as quickly as possible," he said.
Thompson said he did not know why the case was taking so long to be resolved.
Ramzi Shaheen, a spokesman for Palestinian police in Gaza, said efforts to obtain Johnston's release were continuing.
© MMVII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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