BBC News
A senior backbench Labour MP has demanded an inquiry into BBC bias:"This past year has in my view seen for the first time in BBC history a campaign waged by the corporation against the Government and its policies," he said.And in an ironic twist of fate, the BBC has been selected to replace Saddam's broadcast propaganda machine:"I feel that the extent of the bias in BBC current affairs coverage of the major policy areas, not just on Iraq, but in health, education and public services generally, merits a full and independent public inquiry."
The BBC has been awarded the first contract to help get Iraq’s television and radio stations back on air.It will set up a media headquarters in Basra to train Iraq’s new generation of journalists.
Last week’s award by the UK’s Department of International Trade & Development is part of the plans by the CPA, the US-led administration in Iraq, to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqis, seen as a crucial part of the reconstruction effort.
It will overhaul the Iraqi Media Network (IMN), which Saddam used as a propaganda mouthpiece, and turn it into a "world class radio and television broadcasting and newspaper publishing organisation".
Blog post #2088 in category
Media Spin
posted 1 January 04