The following is an archived copy of a message sent to the CASI Analysis List run by Cambridge Solidarity with Iraq.
Views expressed in this archived message are those of the author, not of Cambridge Solidarity with Iraq (CASI).
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[ This message has been sent to you via the CASI-analysis mailing list ] I received this worrying email recently from the BBC. I will obviously reply. When I get the time, I will write to the BBC to complain about their biased coverage about the elections in Iraq. Some time before the elections I sent the following email to info@bbc.co.uk because I guessed how they might report this issue. I hadn't realised how over the top they would actually be! ***** start Hi I am concerned that the BBC has taken to quotes such as "these are Iraq's first free and democratic elections" Sometimes you say "for half a century", sometimes you say "in the country's history". It is bad enough when you serve as a mouthpiece for Bush or Blair saying this (without the BBC attempting to get a different view point in order to provide balance).Far worse is when a newsreader says this. Could you please assure me that you will stop this biased reporting? Thank you. ***** end Institute for War & Peace Reporting ------- Forwarded message follows ------- Date sent: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 08:59:24 +0000 (GMT) From: info@bbc.co.uk Subject: BBC Information [T2005011300P6S010Z430207] To: mark44@myrealbox.com Copies to: Dear Mr Parkinson Thank you for your e-mail regarding the use of terminology used on news reports from Iraq. There are times where it is felt that in order to remain impartial, independent and accurate that terms such as insurgent, militant and rebel are more appropriate to describe action by armed groups in Iraq against coalition forces and the Iraqi people. It is not known how much support or lack of support there is from the Iraqi population for these armed groups, who are often a mix of Iraqis and foreign fighters. Using the term 'resistance fighter' could inadvertently give the impression to Iraqis and the viewers at home, that these fighters have a justification for carrying out the bombings and killings that are indiscriminant and often lead to the deaths of civilians. The use of the neutral language in no way takes away from the impact of a news report, when reporting on the deaths or attacks against the coalition forces and the Iraqi people. The BBC insures visually and in it's wording of reports that such action, has been at a terrible cost to victims, their families and the ability of the Iraqi people to be self-sufficient. The BBC's sole aim in it's reporting, is to ensure that viewers and listeners can make their own judgements on how these armed groups carry out their activities. Full in the knowledge that it often comes with a high price to life and property. Thank you again for your e-mail. Regards Tony Brown BBC Information __________________________________________________ http://www.bbc.co.uk/ - World Wide Wonderland -----Original Message----- > > >Hi > >Why does the BBC so rigorously avoid using the term 'resistance >fighter'? (Iraq) > >Surely this is more accurate and less pejorative than 'insurgent' or >militant, rebel, terrorist etc? > >Has the order gone out to BBC News teams? > http://www.bbc.co.uk/ This e-mail (and any attachments) is confidential and may contain personal views which are not the views of the BBC unless specifically stated. If you have received it in error, please delete it from your system. Do not use, copy or disclose the information in any way nor act in reliance on it and notify the sender immediately. Please note that the BBC monitors e-mails sent or received. Further communication will signify your consent to this. ------- End of forwarded message ------- Mark Parkinson Bodmin Cornwall _______________________________________ Sent via the CASI-analysis mailing list To unsubscribe, visit http://lists.casi.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/casi-analysis All postings are archived on CASI's website at http://www.casi.org.uk