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| Palestinian media workers have held several protests demanding the release of Alan Johnston [AFP] |
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An international day of action is taking place to appeal for the release of BBC journalist Alan Johnston, who has been abducted in Gaza.
The BBC, Al Jazeera, CNN and Sky simultaneously broadcast a special live programme on Thursday to appeal for the reporter's release and to raise awareness of his work.
The programme was aired from the West Bank town of Ramallah at 1330 GMT and anchored by Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's Middle East editor.
The broadcast included live reports from Al Jazeera, CNN, and Sky. It is exactly one month since Johnston was seized by masked armed men.
Joint broadcast
Mark Thompson, the director-general of the BBC, called on Johnston's captors to release the journalist in a press conference in Ramallah.
"I appeal to all those who may have influence with the kidnappers to use their best endeavours to secure Alan's release safely and speedily."
Thompson said that at a meeting with Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday, the Palestinian president had told him: "that he had credible evidence that Alan was safe and well."
Richard Porter, head of news at BBC World, said in a statement: "We don't think this has ever happened before."
"All the broadcasters involved share a common aim to highlight Alan's case and to remind viewers of the dangers faced by their news teams more frequently than ever."
Steve Clark, director of news and programmes at Al Jazeera English, said: "We at Al Jazeera stand firmly alongside the BBC and other broadcasters of the world in condemning those who abduct or attack journalists pursuing their profession.
"We hope this unique programme will help highlight and resolve the problems we all face."
Palestinian journalists have also held a three-day strike to press their government to do more to secure Johnston's release.
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Al Jazeera and agencies
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