U.S. Taps Media Chief for Iraq (We report it, you decide!)

[IndianaGreen]

U.S. Taps Media Chief for Iraq
Regulation Attempted Without Appearing Heavy-Handed
By Daniel Williams
Washington Post Foreign Service
Tuesday, August 19, 2003; Page A14

BAGHDAD, Aug. 18 -- U.S. authorities have appointed a media commissioner to govern broadcasters and the press, establish training programs for journalists and plan for the establishment of a state-run radio and television network -- part of an effort to regulate Iraq's burgeoning news media while dodging allegations of heavy-handed control.

<snip>

To some, extensive coverage of Bremer's inspection tours of Iraq and his public statements recall the rigid broadcast style of deposed president Saddam Hussein's government.

"I look at it like this is what the authority wants us to know. It belongs to them, so I don't really expect anything different," said Moustafa Salman, a truck driver who was shopping for a satellite TV antenna last week.

"When I see Bremer walking around shaking people's hands on the television, I think of Saddam," said Rima Kadri, a homemaker. "What has changed?"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A11484-2003Aug18.html

[QuietStorm]

1. oh gee

like the media isn't governed enough.

[NYC]

2. I guess nobody thought of allowing the Iraqis to run their own media.

.

[sandnsea]

3. SAIC

"Science Applications International Corp., an American company contracted by the Pentagon to launch IMN, oversees the network's operations and supplies equipment to upgrade its facilities."

What's the scoop on this company again?

It's bad enough they can't just let these people run their station any way they want, but why in the world do they make it all news? If you want to win over parents, you make the children happy. Couldn't they at least put on a children's show or something? Too many men running that operation, that's one thing for certain.

[emad]

4. comical ali the 2nd?

so is this alistair campbell's new posting? guess they've given him a choice, baghdad or guantanamo bay.....

[teryang]

5. Sounds like American media

<To some, extensive coverage of Bremer's inspection tours of Iraq and his public statements recall the rigid broadcast style of deposed president Saddam Hussein's government. >

Just plug in the usurper's name for Bremer's and you have American news coverage.

[0007]

6. We're disarmed the dictator

......and taken all the WMD and put 'em under full control. No more eminent threat. Americans here at home are safe at last. junior is
such a wonderful provider and I sleep well at night knowing that General Ashcroft is watching out us all, don't you?

Proud to an American. God Bless the U.S. A. WE kick ass when we have too.

[Mari333]

7. yes, and Im the Queen of Sheba

.

[QuietStorm]

8. and me I'm Nefertti

or am I king tut. With all the mind control, sometimes one has to make allowances for bi-polarity.

[ewagner]

9. Putting a smiley face on censorship

I especially liked this quote:

"for instance if we talk about unemployment, we will also talk about solutions" 10-1 it will be tax cuts for the Iraqis

I mean really, we don't even do that here.

[Bandit]

10. "state-run radio and television network" ~ Democracy Bush* style

:shrug: First Iraq next the US.

[NNN0LHI]

11. "First Iraq next the US"? I think it may be the other way around? n/t