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Controlling the news
Excerpts from leaked memos on how to handle news coverage
Controlling the News - Part 1
In-House Memos on Television News Presentations
It has long been the strong belief of many Americans that their print and television media is subject to certain government oversight and, finally, control.
Recently, a mid-level executive of one of the three major American television networks sent on over 1500 pages of memos from the corporate offices of his network in New York to the head of their television news division.
These memos contain a multitude of instructions concerning the presentation of national and international news for the network’s viewers. Corporate is obviously subject to the opinions of various pressure groups, to include those of official Washington and the Jewish community.
It would be impossible to show all of these revealing documents but selections are certainly possible. What is not possible, obviously, is to reveal either the name of the conscience-stricken media executive nor the company that employs him. These comments, therefore, can be accepted or rejected by the reader as they see fit.
If the shoe fits, however, wear it.
(March 22):….it is not conducive to maintaining an overall neutrality in the Palestine uprisings to show any pictures of the American peacenik that was run over by the Israeli army bulldozer. This is only to be mentioned as a “tragic accident” for which the IDF “is truly saddened.”
(Feb 10)….It is not permitted at this point to use or refer to any film clips, stills or articles emanating from any French source whatsoever.
(Feb 26) It is expected that coverage of the forthcoming Iraqi campaign will be identical with the coverage used during Desert Storm. Shots of GIs must show a mixed racial combination….any interviews must reflect the youthful and idealistic, not the cynical point of view…the liberation of happy, enthusiastic Iraqis can be best shown by filming crowds of cheering citizens waving American flags. Also indicated would be pictures of photogenic GIs fraternizing with Iraqi children and handing them food or other non-controversial presents…of course, pictures of dead US military personnel are not to be shown and pictures of dead Iraqi soldiers should not show examples of violent death…also indicated would be brief interviews with English-speaking Iraqi citizens praising American liberation efforts…all such interviews must be vetted by either the White House or Pentagon before public airing.
(March 12) At this point in time, reference to North Korean military threats must be played down entirely. The Iraqi Freedom campaign has to be concluded in the public mind before proceeding with the next assault on the Evil Axis….
(March 26) US alliances with the Turkish/Iraqi Kurdish tribes should be played down. This is considered a very sensitive issue with the Turks and American arming and support of the Kurds could create a severe backlash in Ankara….Kurds should be depicted as ‘Iraqi Freedom Fighters” and not identified as Kurds…
(March 2) further references to the religious views of the President are to be deleted…
(March 15) photo opportunities of the President and members of his cabinet, especially Secretary Rumsfeld, with enthusiastic GIs….
(March 19) No mention, repeat, no mention, of Palestinian suicide bombers during the Iraqi operation….
(March 25) …no mention of either Wolfowitz or Pearle should be made at the present time.
(March 10)….pro-Government rallies are to be given the fullest coverage…if anti-Government demonstrations are shown, it is desired to stress either a very small number of “eccentrics” or shots of social misfits; i.e., with beards, tattoos, physical deformities, etc. Pro-Government supporters should be seen as clean cut with as many well-groomed subjects as possible….subjects should stress complete support for the President’s programs and especially support for American military units en route to combat…also interviews with photogenic family members of participating GIs stressing loyalty and affection…American flags are always a good prop in the background…
Part 2
(March 30) Friction between Secretary Rumsfeld and senior military field commanders in Iraq are to be strictly minimalized and used only when impossible to avoid….the Secretary’s point of view on all military matters is to be stressed….important to bring out his reputation as a “man who shakes things up” and a brilliant innovator.
(March 31) ….no discussion of high-level rumors about pre-emptive tactical nuclear strikes against North Korean missile, “hard” artillery positions opposite Seoul or key North Korean leadership or military commands is to be mentioned. It must be stressed that the North Korean situation is viewed as “serious but not critical” by unnamed “senior U.S. military leaders.”
(March 31) ….no mention of PRC strong objections to US pre-emptive actions against North Korea….a short summary of the President’s refusal to “enter into any kind of negotiations” with the North Korean government….background report on the irrational and anti-democratic forces in North Korea…the desire of South Korea’s officials to maintain a close relationship with their American military protectors….no discussion of anti-US demonstrations in Seoul. These can be routinely dismissed as “radical students who are not supported by the new liberal and strongly pro-American President.”
April 4) …sharply rising unemployment numbers, this should be countered with official interviews stressing that the unemployment situation is now stabilizing and expected to fall soon.
(March 30) Because of the seriousness of the spread of SARS, actual figures of either the infected or of any deaths from local medical facilities must be carefully vetted via the CDC press information office in Atlanta. From the highest level, it is imperative that the American public not panic over the very rapid spread of this disease. Speculations of the actual nature of SARS is not under any circumstances to be permitted. Keep in mind the currently in- place rules following the outbreak of “Legionnaires Disease.”
(April 4) …a discussion of French desecrations of American and British war graves in France is to receive specific notice. Also, damage to the 9/11 memorial in Paris is to be included. No pictures of swastikas or other defamatory and anti-Administration graffiti are to be shown. French official apologies are permitted…..no comments equating the President with Hitler will be made….and the invasion of Iraq may not be compared with Hitler’s invasion of Poland, and such allegations now being made extensively in offshore media coverage are not to receive any attention. The Iraqi campaign is officially a campaign by a democratic United States against ruthless cruelty and oppression.
(April 5)…. comments appearing in the left-wing British Guardian about the occupation and administration of a conquered (read “liberated and newly democratized”) Iraq by American military personnel are to be ignored. “Pacification, liberation, freedom and gratitude towards US forces,” and the President are to be stressed.
(March 29) The President’s goal, to achieve oil autarchy by the United States, is suggested as the subject for a future series. Congressional denial of drilling in various environmentally “sensitive” areas may be derided as foolish misunderstanding of America’s vital oil needs and catering to the radical environmentalist groups. The interdiction of oil shipments to the United States from Venezuela and Nigeria are not to be commented upon. The attitude of Chavez towards the United States is also considered a non-topic. He was removed from power once and it can happen a second time. File footage of large crowds of distressed and unhappy Venezuelans should be prepared against the time he is removed from power again…
(April 4) If possible, pictures of the President with a book or, better, actually reading, are suggested. Commentary about his extensive reading habits…stress important historical and economic works…
(April 5) Presidential visits to military units in the United States are to receive full coverage and to extend past the usual slot time…spots of especially warm receptions are considered very important…
(March 31) ..at pro-government rallies, signs showing: ‘Antiwar’ (or ‘Protestors’) = ‘Terrorist’ should be given specific coverage.
(April 1) It has been suggested that something be worked up showing that, unlike Vietnam, America’s college students support the President fully and are not involved in the anti-war movements. It is considered advisable to blame the “former hippie-type” professors for any campus anti-war sentiment. Students could be shown eagerly joining their ROTC chapters or even holding pro-Administration demonstrations.
In-House Memos on Television News Presentations
It has long been the strong belief of many Americans that their print and television media is subject to certain government oversight and, finally, control.
Recently, a mid-level executive of one of the three major American television networks sent on over 1500 pages of memos from the corporate offices of his network in New York to the head of their television news division.
These memos contain a multitude of instructions concerning the presentation of national and international news for the network’s viewers. Corporate is obviously subject to the opinions of various pressure groups, to include those of official Washington and the Jewish community.
It would be impossible to show all of these revealing documents but selections are certainly possible. What is not possible, obviously, is to reveal either the name of the conscience-stricken media executive nor the company that employs him. These comments, therefore, can be accepted or rejected by the reader as they see fit.
If the shoe fits, however, wear it.
(March 22):….it is not conducive to maintaining an overall neutrality in the Palestine uprisings to show any pictures of the American peacenik that was run over by the Israeli army bulldozer. This is only to be mentioned as a “tragic accident” for which the IDF “is truly saddened.”
(Feb 10)….It is not permitted at this point to use or refer to any film clips, stills or articles emanating from any French source whatsoever.
(Feb 26) It is expected that coverage of the forthcoming Iraqi campaign will be identical with the coverage used during Desert Storm. Shots of GIs must show a mixed racial combination….any interviews must reflect the youthful and idealistic, not the cynical point of view…the liberation of happy, enthusiastic Iraqis can be best shown by filming crowds of cheering citizens waving American flags. Also indicated would be pictures of photogenic GIs fraternizing with Iraqi children and handing them food or other non-controversial presents…of course, pictures of dead US military personnel are not to be shown and pictures of dead Iraqi soldiers should not show examples of violent death…also indicated would be brief interviews with English-speaking Iraqi citizens praising American liberation efforts…all such interviews must be vetted by either the White House or Pentagon before public airing.
(March 12) At this point in time, reference to North Korean military threats must be played down entirely. The Iraqi Freedom campaign has to be concluded in the public mind before proceeding with the next assault on the Evil Axis….
(March 26) US alliances with the Turkish/Iraqi Kurdish tribes should be played down. This is considered a very sensitive issue with the Turks and American arming and support of the Kurds could create a severe backlash in Ankara….Kurds should be depicted as ‘Iraqi Freedom Fighters” and not identified as Kurds…
(March 2) further references to the religious views of the President are to be deleted…
(March 15) photo opportunities of the President and members of his cabinet, especially Secretary Rumsfeld, with enthusiastic GIs….
(March 19) No mention, repeat, no mention, of Palestinian suicide bombers during the Iraqi operation….
(March 25) …no mention of either Wolfowitz or Pearle should be made at the present time.
(March 10)….pro-Government rallies are to be given the fullest coverage…if anti-Government demonstrations are shown, it is desired to stress either a very small number of “eccentrics” or shots of social misfits; i.e., with beards, tattoos, physical deformities, etc. Pro-Government supporters should be seen as clean cut with as many well-groomed subjects as possible….subjects should stress complete support for the President’s programs and especially support for American military units en route to combat…also interviews with photogenic family members of participating GIs stressing loyalty and affection…American flags are always a good prop in the background…
Part 2
(March 30) Friction between Secretary Rumsfeld and senior military field commanders in Iraq are to be strictly minimalized and used only when impossible to avoid….the Secretary’s point of view on all military matters is to be stressed….important to bring out his reputation as a “man who shakes things up” and a brilliant innovator.
(March 31) ….no discussion of high-level rumors about pre-emptive tactical nuclear strikes against North Korean missile, “hard” artillery positions opposite Seoul or key North Korean leadership or military commands is to be mentioned. It must be stressed that the North Korean situation is viewed as “serious but not critical” by unnamed “senior U.S. military leaders.”
(March 31) ….no mention of PRC strong objections to US pre-emptive actions against North Korea….a short summary of the President’s refusal to “enter into any kind of negotiations” with the North Korean government….background report on the irrational and anti-democratic forces in North Korea…the desire of South Korea’s officials to maintain a close relationship with their American military protectors….no discussion of anti-US demonstrations in Seoul. These can be routinely dismissed as “radical students who are not supported by the new liberal and strongly pro-American President.”
April 4) …sharply rising unemployment numbers, this should be countered with official interviews stressing that the unemployment situation is now stabilizing and expected to fall soon.
(March 30) Because of the seriousness of the spread of SARS, actual figures of either the infected or of any deaths from local medical facilities must be carefully vetted via the CDC press information office in Atlanta. From the highest level, it is imperative that the American public not panic over the very rapid spread of this disease. Speculations of the actual nature of SARS is not under any circumstances to be permitted. Keep in mind the currently in- place rules following the outbreak of “Legionnaires Disease.”
(April 4) …a discussion of French desecrations of American and British war graves in France is to receive specific notice. Also, damage to the 9/11 memorial in Paris is to be included. No pictures of swastikas or other defamatory and anti-Administration graffiti are to be shown. French official apologies are permitted…..no comments equating the President with Hitler will be made….and the invasion of Iraq may not be compared with Hitler’s invasion of Poland, and such allegations now being made extensively in offshore media coverage are not to receive any attention. The Iraqi campaign is officially a campaign by a democratic United States against ruthless cruelty and oppression.
(April 5)…. comments appearing in the left-wing British Guardian about the occupation and administration of a conquered (read “liberated and newly democratized”) Iraq by American military personnel are to be ignored. “Pacification, liberation, freedom and gratitude towards US forces,” and the President are to be stressed.
(March 29) The President’s goal, to achieve oil autarchy by the United States, is suggested as the subject for a future series. Congressional denial of drilling in various environmentally “sensitive” areas may be derided as foolish misunderstanding of America’s vital oil needs and catering to the radical environmentalist groups. The interdiction of oil shipments to the United States from Venezuela and Nigeria are not to be commented upon. The attitude of Chavez towards the United States is also considered a non-topic. He was removed from power once and it can happen a second time. File footage of large crowds of distressed and unhappy Venezuelans should be prepared against the time he is removed from power again…
(April 4) If possible, pictures of the President with a book or, better, actually reading, are suggested. Commentary about his extensive reading habits…stress important historical and economic works…
(April 5) Presidential visits to military units in the United States are to receive full coverage and to extend past the usual slot time…spots of especially warm receptions are considered very important…
(March 31) ..at pro-government rallies, signs showing: ‘Antiwar’ (or ‘Protestors’) = ‘Terrorist’ should be given specific coverage.
(April 1) It has been suggested that something be worked up showing that, unlike Vietnam, America’s college students support the President fully and are not involved in the anti-war movements. It is considered advisable to blame the “former hippie-type” professors for any campus anti-war sentiment. Students could be shown eagerly joining their ROTC chapters or even holding pro-Administration demonstrations.
For more information:
http://tbrnews.org
Add Your Comments
Comments
(Hide Comments)
What the hell is this shit about ?
Where are your sources ?
Lame ass article, bozo
DLJ
Hey Dull Lame Junkie, just cause you are a redneck moron and disagree with the well-written piece, doesn't mean you gotta come out of the woodworks to open your big fat mouth.
-"DLJ"
-"DLJ"
that's an interesting article, but it doesn't list the sources. perhaps anthony forgot to include them. please repost with the sources. thanks.
"It would be impossible to show all of these revealing documents but selections are certainly possible. What is not possible, obviously, is to reveal either the name of the conscience-stricken media executive nor the company that employs him. These comments, therefore, can be accepted or rejected by the reader as they see fit. "
Hah. Does anyone really believe this silliness? If any of this was real, some of the idiots would have talked sooner. How do you secretly censor the media, that covers 1000's of people. Get real.
That's what this is all about. Try this:
http://www.8thdaycenter.org/031700.html
"When asked if the introduction of military personnel into a civilian news
organization was standard operating procedure, one source said, "That
question is above my pay grade ... but I hope so. It's what we do."
"The CNN military personnel were members of the Airmobile Fourth
Psychological Operations Group, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
One of the main tasks of this group of almost 1200 soldiers and officers
is to spread 'selected information.' Critics say that means dissemination
of propaganda. "
http://www.8thdaycenter.org/031700.html
"When asked if the introduction of military personnel into a civilian news
organization was standard operating procedure, one source said, "That
question is above my pay grade ... but I hope so. It's what we do."
"The CNN military personnel were members of the Airmobile Fourth
Psychological Operations Group, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
One of the main tasks of this group of almost 1200 soldiers and officers
is to spread 'selected information.' Critics say that means dissemination
of propaganda. "
How convenient, the author of this article hides behind page limitations but apparently doesn't have the balls to name the network or the individual sending the supposed instructions. If the author cannot name specifics which may be rebutted his "work" is essentially bullshit.
On the CNN website, an op-ed " The News We Kept to Ourselves", describes CNN attempts to censor themselves, to keep innocent Iraqis from being killed by Saddam's goons. Check it out.
It is probably not that the author will not reveal sources, but rather, what he has written is his own inventive imaginations. While news segments may not express all views, the news talk shows do.
These articles just strengthen my opinion, and the opinion of millions of people areound the globe, that the "CNN Effect" blinds viewers to the REALITY. All the viewers are told is that THEY are under attack, that THEY have to weed out corruption, that the "others" are wrong. But what if they were given unbiased coverage, of the different facets of the current situation, not only about the war, but about their own political situation? Would people react the same way, with the same fear?
Perhaps I haven't looked hard enough because these "memos" so clearly smack of bullshit, but I don't even see any real identification of the author. If, for legitmate reasons you can't reveal your sources, we only have your reputation to go on. (Besides the believability of the texts themselves, which is rather low since they don't resemble corporate or governmental discourse but do resemble the way in which people normally talk about tailoring news.)
In short: #1 Who are you? What credible articles have you written? and #2 Take some writing lessons and learn how to throw your voice.
In short: #1 Who are you? What credible articles have you written? and #2 Take some writing lessons and learn how to throw your voice.
I looked around the tbrnews.org site and it further and further discredits the likely authenticity of this piece.
Elsewhere on the site there are a couple of alleged letters from a Rabbi who argues that gassing was never part of the Jewish Holocaust.
No other reference to this man on Google except this site itself. Do you think if a rabbi got up and spoke revisionist talk like that he wouldn't get roasted alive by zionists?!?! So this is almost certainly a forgery.
In the light of this and that the site links almost entirely to what on first glance appear to be neo-nazi publishers and other white supremacist-style sites, I'm not about to accept what I read there.
It's also worth asking, IF the memos were real, why on earth would a middle-management journalist leak them to THESE particular guys? Come on! They whistle-blower would leak to the MOST reputable website he could find, not these people!
- Alister.
Elsewhere on the site there are a couple of alleged letters from a Rabbi who argues that gassing was never part of the Jewish Holocaust.
No other reference to this man on Google except this site itself. Do you think if a rabbi got up and spoke revisionist talk like that he wouldn't get roasted alive by zionists?!?! So this is almost certainly a forgery.
In the light of this and that the site links almost entirely to what on first glance appear to be neo-nazi publishers and other white supremacist-style sites, I'm not about to accept what I read there.
It's also worth asking, IF the memos were real, why on earth would a middle-management journalist leak them to THESE particular guys? Come on! They whistle-blower would leak to the MOST reputable website he could find, not these people!
- Alister.
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