BBC cuts back Iraq staff

[JoFerret]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1201992,00.html

Claire Cozens
Friday April 23, 2004


Iraq: BBC will be left with just two reporters in Baghdad

The BBC has dramatically scaled back its staff in Iraq and banned programme-makers from organising any new trips there amid the deteriorating security situation.
Just two reporters, David Willis and Dominic Hughes, and a small team of technical staff remain in the corporation's Baghdad bureau after Caroline Hawley and Barbara Plett left the country.


<snip>
But the cutbacks have sparked criticism of the BBC's coverage in Iraq.

David Miller, the editor of Tell Me Lies: Propaganda and Media Distortion in the Attack on Iraq, accused the corporation of being over-reliant on the accounts given by US forces.

"This explains some of the poor coverage coming out of Iraq. Neither the BBC nor ITV has anyone in Falluja, but ITV has at least broadcast an interview with Jo Wilding from the city. The BBC should be giving the other side of the story," he said.

ITV's news provider, ITN, has just one remaining reporter in Baghdad, Julian Manyon, and a spokeswoman said the broadcaster was "monitoring the situation".

[Iceburg]

1. But it was safe before the infamous "Mission Accomplished" ?????????

"As you are probably aware, in view of the increased threat faced by those working in Iraq at the moment, we have reduced our numbers in the Baghdad bureau," he wrote.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1201992,00.html

NEWS BLACKOUT ALERT

imho

[JoFerret]

3. Very frightening

all hell let loose and no-one there to tell the story except the Pentagon and the individuals in the maelstrom.....to be heard from how?

[phoebe]

2. well what do you expect when all hell is going to break loose?

the headlines from the last few hours are giant warning signs.