Taliban Picking Favorites for Frontline War Coverage

NewsMax.com ^ | 11/01/01 | Carl Limbacher and NewsMax.com Staff

[kattracks]

Afghanistan's Taliban government is granting access to the front lines for favored U.S. TV networks, while those expected to give negative coverage are priced out of the market with exorbitant visa fees, the New York Times reported Thursday.

"Reporters on the scene and news executives in the United States said that winning entry to the (front lines) depended on being a news outlet that the Afghan rulers wanted to use to convey their message. But it was also the result of having the right connections — or in the parlance of foreign correspondents, the right 'fixer.'"

In terms of connections, CNN along with ABC News and the BBC enjoy significant advantages, reporters and news executives told the Times. "All have associations with Pakistanis who have cultivated exceptional relationships with Taliban authorities," the paper said.

Meanwhile the Afghan Embassy wanted to charge Fox News Channel up to $5,000 for a battlefield visa to tour hotspots like Khandahar. FNC declined the offer. CNN and ABC paid standard visa fees of just $30 per reporter.

CBS applied to go on the Afghan guided war front tour, "but when the list was published, we weren't on it," news division chief Andrew Heyward told the Times.

The Taliban didn't even bother to extend an invitation to NBC News, the Times said.

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:

Media Bias
War on Terrorism

[kattracks]

CNN and ABC didn't receive any anthrax mail either, if I remember correctly.

[wideawake]

We decide, then you report, infidel!

[Big Guy and Rusty 99]

I'm surprised that ABC's war coverage wasn't called "OSAMA NEEDS HUGS."

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks! However, I'm not surprised that "CNN along with ABC News and the BBC enjoy significant advantages!"

The Taliban and the War Slut Net, CNN have a special relationship like Saddam with Peter Arnett in Desert Storm!

ABC is no surprise either. The anti American thugs who control Disney/ABC are real pals of those who would destroy America. Jennings and Koppell and Maher represent ABC's real colors! (Those colors are not red, white and blue!)

I had not made the connection of no Anthrax to CNN and ABC! Good connection on your part!

[glock rocks]

it'll be kristiene armapit, hands down taliban presstitute.

[eureka!]

I wouldn't be suprised if the Taliban paid War Slut Christine Amanapour....

[glock rocks]

there's an echo in here.

:-)

[eureka!]

Great minds. ;^) Peter Lemmings would probably get paid too--had the coward the courage to go....

[NC Conservative]

Armapits will win you are right. My question is how many talibowels will she bag.

[Eric Esot]

This is a good thing – because if I see another investigative report from “the front lines” that sympathizes with the enemy (did you see that 20/20 wedding piece); or some docudrama exclusive on “the orphans of the taliban” I’m going to snap!

[SpinyNorman]

This should provide a nice list of terrorist sypathizers (and war sluts)!!

[Thebaddog]

Was there coverage from nazi Germany during the Second World War? Why do these gooks feel the need to be there and to be used as conduits for the enemy?

[Eric Esot]

This is a good thing – because if I see another investigative report from “the front lines” that sympathizes with the enemy (did you see that 20/20 wedding piece); or some docudrama exclusive on “the orphans of the taliban” I’m going to snap!

AHHH - In my great frustration over why ‘our’ media insist that it needs us to see our enemy in pain - I posted utter nonsense. I apologize.

[gunshy]

Utter nonsense must be good for the soul. I see a lot of it on FR. I may even be guilty of it myself.

[WriteOn]

Ahmanpour will be butt-snorkeling camels to get in there.

[KSCITYBOY]

****Was there coverage from nazi Germany during the Second World War? Why do these gooks feel the need to be there and to be used as conduits for the enemy?**** I'm starting to think these news outlets are the enemy. I can hear peter jennings now: Germany has made great strides in driving back the Allies from the beaches of Normandy - I would expect this to be another big loss for the United States. Next up: A report the center of Berlin where despite massive civilian deaths from US bombs support for Hitler's war effort has never been higher.

[river rat]

Why the term War Slut -- when War Whore has a nicer ring to it...... And, probably closer to the truth... She is, afterall, PAID for her services.

A slut, normally simply gives it away..
Semper Fi