Post by Moses on Nov 7, 2005 10:45:37 GMT -5
Troubled TV network draws fire
By Guy Dinmore in Washington
Published: November 6 2005 19:15 | Last updated: November 6 2005 19:15
The Bush administration’s attempt to break into Arab broadcasting by launching its own satellite television network has exposed the difficulties of venturing into a complex and conspiratorial world with little understanding, according to analysts of US public diplomacy.
Officials revealed last week that the State Department’s Inspector General would launch an investigation into possible financial irregularities at al Hurra, the Virginia-based network that started broadcasting across the Arab world last year.
There is also concern over the political slant of its programming and doubts over its claimed audience figures. The House of Representatives subcommittee for oversight and investigations – just wrapping up the UN oil-for-food corruption scandal – is to call a hearing on al Hurra this week.
William Rugh, a former ambassador and public diplomacy expert, says the issues of alleged irregularities and impartiality in programming stem from the lack of proper oversight from the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), a federal agency responsible for overseas US broadcasts funded by Congress.
Although it was established as a pan-Arab network to counter the perceived anti-American bias of the Qatar-based al-Jazeera network, Mr Rugh and other commentators say viewers describe al Hurra as a bland, poor-quality Lebanese station with a Lebanese slant that reflects the ethnic make-up of its staff.
Magdi Khalil, a former employee of al Hurra (which means “the free one” in Arabic), wrote in a commentary circulated in the State Department that the network displayed the “typical flaws and mediocrity” of Arab news media.
“The mismanagement and blatant abuse of power have cost al Hurra greatly, and raised doubts about the US ability to create a successful news media and maintain a competitive edge against the established Arab channels,” he wrote. He also alleged that unusually large fees were paid to some people for appearances.
Bert Kleinman, the outgoing head of al Hurra, rejected such suggestions. He said there was “tremendous oversight” from the BBG, and called the Inspector General’s audit “normal”. Mr Kleinman, a television and radio consultant, announced last week that he intended to step down from al Hurra. He told the FT his departure had nothing to do with the investigations.
Karen Hughes, the State Department’s new head of public diplomacy and one of President George W. Bush’s closest advisers, has become involved in the inquiry as a member of the board of the BBG.
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