The BBC is to scrap Planet Relief, a television special about climate change that provoked a revolt from senior executives. Ricky Gervais and Jonathan Ross had been lined up to star in a day of programmes next year, designed to “raise consciousness” about the environment.

The event would have involved viewers in a mass “switch-off” to save energy. But BBC figures gave warning that the concept could be the latest in a series of campaigns, disguised as entertainment, that breached impartiality guidelines.

Advocates of Planet Relief finally relented after viewers said that they wanted intelligent programmes about climate change instead of lectures from hypocritical pop stars and celebrities.

The revolt was led by Peter Barron, editor of the BBC Two Newsnightprogramme. He said that it was “not the corporation’s job to save the planet”. He added: “If the BBC is thinking about campaigning on climate change, then that is wrong and not our job.”

Peter Horrocks, head of BBC television news, added: We should be giving people information, not leading them.” The BBC has now scrapped the concept. Negative reaction to this summer’s flop Live Earth concert, promoted by Al Gore, was cited as a factor. Audience feedback found that viewers wanted serious, informed programmes about the planet’s future.

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When free newspapers first became available, François Cherix published an article in the Swiss newspaper, Le Temps - 8 November, 2005, arguing that to be qualified to judge and form an opinion on any subject, it was necessary to have, not simply the facts, but also other people's points of view and comments.

CHERIX, François, «Journaux gratuits: l'addition de faits sans commentaire affaiblit le libre arbitre», Le Temps, 8 novembre 2005

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This is how WATTWATTERS HELP - PROVIDE OTHERS WITH INFORMED FACTS!