PA wants media outlets to pay to cover Bethlehem Christmas

[Cry Freedom]

The Palestinian Broadcasting Authority has sent letters in the past few days to international and Arab television and satellite broadcasting networks, notifying them of an unprecedented decision by the Palestinian Authority to charge fees from any networks wishing to broadcast on Christmas from the area near the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

(snip)

The Christian communities that are part of the ceremony are also incensed over the fees. One of the patriarchs who serves in the Palestinian Authority said, "They are trafficking in Christian holidays, which should be available to every Christian." The patriarch had previously raised the issue with Arafat, and sources say that in the past various groups had charged journalists for rights to broadcast.

This year, for the first time since the start of the current intifada, a number of tourist groups are visiting Bethlehem, and hotel and shop owners in the city are hoping for some recovery in the holiday trade.

(snip)

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/374357.html

[bluesoul]

1. Welcome to DU

:hi:

[Cry Freedom]

4. thx

:hi:

[newyorican]

2. They should also pay for all this..

Christmas spam.

[Cry Freedom]

3. Huh?

:crazy:

[Scurrilous]

6. Spam for Christmas...

...:puke:

[JohnLocke]

5. Welcome to DU, Cry Freedom!

You'll like it here. :toast: :toast: :toast: