Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Little Tich

(6,171 posts)
Mon Jan 16, 2012, 02:04 AM Jan 2012

AP expands North Korean coverage, opens first full news bureau by international agency

Source: The Washington Post / AP

PYONGYANG, North Korea — The Associated Press opened its newest bureau here Monday, becoming the first international news organization with a full-time presence to cover news from North Korea in words, pictures and video.

In a ceremony that came less than a month after the death of longtime ruler Kim Jong Il and capped nearly a year of discussions, AP President and CEO Tom Curley and a delegation of top AP editors inaugurated the office, situated inside the headquarters of the state-run Korean Central News Agency in downtown Pyongyang.

The bureau expands the AP’s presence in North Korea, building on the breakthrough in 2006 when AP opened a video bureau in Pyongyang for the first time by an international news organization. Exclusive video from AP video staffers in Pyongyang was used by media outlets around the world following Kim’s death.

Now, AP writers and photojournalists will also be allowed to work in North Korea on a regular basis.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/ap-expands-north-korean-coverage-opens-first-full-news-bureau-by-international-agency/2012/01/15/gIQALJ2w1P_story.html

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
AP expands North Korean coverage, opens first full news bureau by international agency (Original Post) Little Tich Jan 2012 OP
I like this bit jberryhill Jan 2012 #1
I think it's just amazing. Little Tich Jan 2012 #2
After a year of negotiations... jberryhill Jan 2012 #3
As long as they report what they are fed... izquierdista Jan 2012 #6
I read this as son will slowly, glacially even, open nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #4
Yes, this could be the beginning of something good. Lasher Jan 2012 #5
 

jberryhill

(62,444 posts)
1. I like this bit
Mon Jan 16, 2012, 02:10 AM
Jan 2012

"situated inside the headquarters of the state-run Korean Central News Agency"

Although its pretty amazing they could even get a desk inside there.

Little Tich

(6,171 posts)
2. I think it's just amazing.
Mon Jan 16, 2012, 02:25 AM
Jan 2012

It's like a peep-hole in a brick wall. Now we can see more of what is actually going on in North-Korea, (or the DPRK as they call themselves) especially now with the leadership change. Hopefully, AP will be able to report with at least some amount of freedom, but I doubt that much of it will be available for local consumption.

For comparison, this is what we currently have for information about North-Korea: http://www.korea-dpr.com/

 

jberryhill

(62,444 posts)
3. After a year of negotiations...
Mon Jan 16, 2012, 02:31 AM
Jan 2012

It can safely be assumed that the AP "in country staff" isn't going to be able to get up to take a pee alone.

It'll be like being on one of those guided tours forever. All of their neighbors, and everyone they come into contact with will be like a big Truman Show.
 

izquierdista

(11,689 posts)
6. As long as they report what they are fed...
Mon Jan 16, 2012, 10:21 AM
Jan 2012

everything will be fine. Working for the Bush White House press corps would be excellent preparation for this job.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»AP expands North Korean c...