PRIME TIME READY (Al Jazeera hires former Marine spokesman, prepares for U.S. launch)

NY Post ^ | 8/21/05 | PETER LAURIA

[jimbo123]

Al-Jazeera, the Arab TV network that brings us exclusive footage of Osama bin Laden, is trying to pretty itself up for an anticipated 2006 U.S. debut.

The network, which is planning a global rollout for its English-language Al-Jazeera International, has hired Josh Rushing, former Marine Lt. and spokesman for Central Command during the Iraq war's early days.

While Rushing's exact role has yet to be announced, his appearance on the network is sure to lend it some credibility.

At the same time, A-JI is hoping to add TV icon Sir David Frost to its lineup.

The moves come as the network is talking to U.S. cable and satellite operators about deals to carry the station.

[Amelia]

WOULD YOU HAVE ALLOWED HITLER TO HAVE ACCESS TO OUR AIRWAVES?

Well, everytime the terrorists air a message on Al Jazeera, all our networks rebroadcast it 1000 times (and probably pay royalties to AJ).

What's the big difference?

[darkangel82]

I'm amazed by all the trolls who think that coming on here and posting the latest liberal talking points is smart or original.

[onyx]

Unreal. AJ broadcasting here? JMJ. Nice recruitment tool and an American avenue to spew their propaganda.

Will notify Direct TV tomorrow.


Thanks for the posting.

[Darksheare]

Nothing much surprises me anymore.
*sigh*

[mplsconservative]

WOULD YOU HAVE ALLOWED HITLER TO HAVE ACCESS TO OUR AIRWAVES?

We're waiting for an answer. Because Amelia, in your logic, it would've helped us to "understand" Hitler's regime all the better. They're people too./warm and fuzzy sarc

[Army Air Corps]

If people are truly inclined to investigate the message aired by Al Jazeera, then there is this dandy thing called "the internet". One can read all the anti-Israeli crapola and crack-headed ideas of AJ that they could want without subsidising AJ.

[Darksheare]

"What's the big difference?"

The difference?
Tell me, did they give oozing fawning press to Hitler in WWII?

No?
So why should Al Jazeera be given oozing fawning treatment today?

[Darksheare]

"If that is the sort of thing they broadcast, it might help convince the liberals who think that terrorism would go away if we'd just leave those poor people alone."

NOTHING will convince liberals short of their own imminent death and or grievous harm.

[ZOTnot]

I will cancel my cable in a 'heartbeat' if they follow through. I am ready to do so regardless. For whatever reason, prices per month continue to creep upward. $ 40, then 45, then 48, then 51, now 54 but without noticeable upgrades of any sort in service.

I am just looking for an excuse to move to DISH network. This may put me over the top.

[mplsconservative]

BTTT to your BTTT.

Awaiting an answer.

[mplsconservative]

I have Dish. Stinks in a bad thunderstorm, no channels, no radar, nothing. I wished I had cable then.

Six of one, half a dozen of another.

Glad I had FR and the internet radar. Not too good of an idea when lightning bolts are nearby. (o:

[Amelia]

WOULD YOU HAVE ALLOWED HITLER TO HAVE ACCESS TO OUR AIRWAVES?

NO.

Do you think our MSM should be prohibited from rebroadcasting material first aired by Al-Jazeera? Why or why not?

[BigSkyFreeper]

Unreal. AJ broadcasting here? JMJ. Nice recruitment tool and an American avenue to spew their propaganda.

AFAIK, both DirecTV and DISH Network carry Al-Jazeera on their systems. DISH Network has several international TV packages, and AJ is in the Middle Eastern/Pan-Arab TV package. DISH has carried AJ for almost as long as they've been broadcasting which is about 5 years. I don't subscribe to any of the international packages, as just one would double my monthly fee, and I would have to have a separate dedicated dish just to receive them.

[BigSkyFreeper]

I will cancel my cable in a 'heartbeat' if they follow through. I am ready to do so regardless. For whatever reason, prices per month continue to creep upward. $ 40, then 45, then 48, then 51, now 54 but without noticeable upgrades of any sort in service.

The reason for the steady increase in cable rates are media giants like ABC/Disney. There are no upgrades in service. Channels like ESPN are forcing cable companies to raise customer rates, just so that ESPN remains in the channel lineup. I've been a DISH subscriber for 7 years, and only have had 2 price hikes. One was $1 a couple years ago, and more recently as this past February, was $2. Cable and satellite providers are in a bind when it comes to negotiating costs with media giants like ABC/Disney. If DISH suddenly dropped ESPN Classic, they would have to drop ESPN, ESPN2, Disney Channel, ABC Family, etc.. Basically, any channel in the ABC/Disney group of channels would have to go.

Long and short is, media giants like ABC/Disney, basically have cable and satellite providers by the neck.

[BigSkyFreeper]

Not sure what tier programming package you have with DirecTV, but it's more than likely you're not paying for AJ, even though DirecTV carries the channel. DISH, and probably DirecTV, treat AJ as an ala carte service. AJ alone would nearly double my monthly TV bill if I subscribed to it on it's own. I don't care for it, and I don't want it, I have no interest in it, so I don't pay for it, yet, it's made available for those who might have an interest in it. As long as that channel alone doesn't raise my current monthly rate just being made available, I'm happy.

[ZOTnot]

Thanks for the insight.

Helps to know what I'm dealing with. Did I hear recently the phone lines will begin carrying cable in addition to independent providers and DISH? Any relief in sight there?

[Sprite518]

What is this Marine thinking??? He is in bed with the enemy! Al Jazeera is about as fair and balanced as Baghdad Bob.