Posted on 12/29/2005 9:31:18 PM PST by nuconvert
ABC's Woodruff set to broadcast from Iran
Thu Dec 29, 2005
By Paul J. Gough
NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - ABC News' "World News Tonight" will kick off its new format Tuesday with co-anchor Bob Woodruff reporting from Iran.
Woodruff, a senior producer, a producer and two crews were scheduled to arrive late Thursday in Tehran. He left New York late Wednesday after anchoring "World News Tonight," bound for Paris and then on to the Iranian capital.
Plans call for Woodruff to report for "World News Tonight" beginning Tuesday, the first official day of his dual anchorship with Elizabeth Vargas. Vargas will anchor "World News Tonight" from New York on Tuesday, while Woodruff will contribute reports from Iran.
Iran has been a thorn in the side of the U.S. for more than a quarter-century, ever since the U.S.-backed monarchy was overthrown and replaced by a theocratic government. Most recently, Iran was named by President Bush as a member nation of the so-called axis of evil and, despite international pressure, has refused to stop its nuclear weapons program.
"It's one of the most important countries in the world right now. It's a regional powerhouse," Woodruff said. "It's a country we need to understand. It's big, it's powerful, it's wealthy, and it's right next to Iraq."
Woodruff has been to Iran, most recently in February. He's also traveled to another member of the so-called axis of evil, North Korea, spending several days there this year.
Woodruff and Jon Banner, executive producer of "World News Tonight," said the trip to Iran wasn't timed for the relaunch of the program but came instead just when all the pieces fell into place.
"It's a big deal," Banner said Thursday. "It's not every day that Western media is allowed into Iran."
Woodruff hoped things go smoother than the last time, when he and his crew were deported soon after they arrived in Tehran because of the bureaucracy. He said they had spent extra time trying to make sure that it wouldn't be the case this time but added that there's always the chance that something could happen when they arrive.
"When you land at 2:30 in the morning, certain ministries aren't awake," Woodruff said.
Woodruff isn't likely to appear live on video for "World News Tonight," though facilities for live TV could be made available through the state-run networks. But there's a question of whether ABC would really want to use them, considering they spent considerable time and money for the ability to broadcast from Iran and not inside a studio.
In June, Woodruff and a crew traveled to North Korea to look behind that country's Iron Curtain. They spent several days in North Korea in a visit that took ABC News years to get permission for.
In most probable actuality Scrubrush(Woodruff) is transporting sensitive information to the top level Iranians. You know, the enemy aiding, abetting, and giving comfort to our enemies media....
I don't think BOB Woodruff will be wearing that. (and btw - women in Iran don't wear that)
MSM warming-up to their new heroes in the WOT.
("It's a big deal," Banner said Thursday. "It's not every day that Western media is allowed into Iran.")
Are you kidding me? They would love to have all the MSM there to promote their propaganda.
Yeah, well, ratings. Have to sound like ABC is getting a big scoop.
Happy New Year my friend.
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