BBC's own man blasts his bosses over 'bias'

The Sun ^ | Mar 25, 2003 | TREVOR KAVANAGH

[Oberon]

Does anyone know if the reporters are given a weapon to protect themselves, if necessary? Just curious.

Officially, no. Unofficially, a weapon can be found for the reporter who wants one and knows how to keep his mouth shut.

[BluH2o]

“Who dreamed up the line that the coalition are achieving ‘small victories at a very high price?’

They're obviously consulting with their cohorts at the New York Times.

[yoe]

The embedded reporter is the answer to several generations of the instant gratification syndrome and the perfect foil to the nay-sayers and other hysterical alarmist that permeate the media and print media. I have watched them all and Fox has, hands down, the best. Their view of the war is truly first hand and accurate, far different than the Viet Nam era when rumor was the only news getting out.

My only complaint is with the “news briefings” where not very bright reporters ask arrogant, biased and often rude questions, too many of them repeatedly ask about the “humanitarian” efforts, surely they realize that the target must be secured before any humanitarian work can begin, yet they ask and ask that same old question. Their lack of knowledge about past wars except for the political view, is apparent. My hat is off to the military spokesmen who must answer and try to explain to these ill-informed people, the rules of engagement without jeopardizing our fighting men and women.

On the brighter side...I do love watching Ari Fleischer, always gracious, field the petulant, testy questions from Helen, the resident flag bearer for the failed and tarnished ex- president, a moment that is always entertaining for everyone...except poor Helen who looks freshly exhumed.

[muggs]

Officially, no. Unofficially, a weapon can be found for the reporter who wants one and knows how to keep his mouth shut.

If I was a reporter I'd be saying, "just give me a damn gun and I swear I won't tell anyone".

[yoe]

I believe they have a choice, but if captured and they have a weapon on them, they then become combatants - not reporters.

[drq]

bump

[Cacique]

Is it possible to assume you're accross the pond?

[Cacique]

Welcome to FreeRepublic BTW.

[headsonpikes]

"...when some homosexual Trotskyite theater major sipping cappucino..."

ROTFLMAO!!!

I can tell you don't like that sort much. ;^)

[NoCalEyes]

My bad...information overload..thanks.

[Reagan is King]

gobsmacked

I've gotta start using that word, lol.

[Reagan is King]

Sounds like Paul Adams' BBC bosses need some battlefield experience to clear their heads.

Yes, on the very front lines. Advance recon would be okay with me!

[Reagan is King]

LOL, thanks for the pigs flying graphic, I couldn't find mine!

[BallandPowder]

Powder..Patch..Ball FIRE!

Embedded reporters are becoming a fine source in defense of bias.
Amen. Shout it from the roof tops sister! These reporters are actually living with the fighting men and women, sharing their day-to-day stuggles. Our warriors have become accustomed to them, and many units have "adopted" the reporters as part of their units. In short, our warriors look after them.

And when those reporters come back to the states after witnessing this fight how many of them will fight bias in the newsroom knowing what they do? Probably more than a few!

[Reagan is King]

Yes, there's just no way you can be with frontline troops like this and not be pro-military after awhile. I agree, it was a great idea, plus some of these embedded reporters will move up the food chain at the news networks and possibly become anchors someday. Imagine pro-military newsmen? What a concept!

[Reagan is King]

However, this is not good news for the dems

Agreed! The truth is never good news for the dems.

[Cold Heat]

RE:#41

Golly Gee!

[GOPJ]

I'm impressed. This reporter has shown great courage. He might have given up a career for his honesty. Hats off to a good man.

And he warned the BBC’s credibility is at risk for suggesting British troops are paying a “high price for small victories”.

[Reagan is King]

Sad news zook. We are fighting for the hearts and minds of the people around the world and we have a previously respected news source like the BBC.
Nothing but a left-wing mouthpiece now.

[geedee]

You're right. Embedded reporters have shown several BBC and ABC assertions to be lies. ABC and Peter Jennings and Terry Moran are no better than the BBC.