BBC - Propaganda channel?

[nigel99 150]

This morning on the way into work the BBC were talking about the launch of their new Arabic channel http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7288062.stm

I have always felt that the BBC were independant of politics and being publicly funded that they provided a balanced view to the public. Of course I have been irritated that their are Asian and Black channels as I don't believe in pandaring to minority interests - but I have always seen this as political correctness rather than "politics".

However the launch of this channel got me thinking - WHY? It is going to cost the british tax payer lots of money in what they admit is an already crowded market? As middle eastern audiences "like" seeing beheadings on Al-Jazeera will the BBC do likewise? I see absolutely no value in this channel to either us or the potential viewers and therefore my suspicion is aroused that this is to be a pure propaganda move but why - is it to appease the Islamic radicals thereby potentially reducing our terrorist threat?

Experienced jumper - someone who has made mistakes more often than I have and lived.

[shropshire 0]

Is it any different from Kiddies T.V or Welsh? My license fee is paying for that shite too

Thank god it also pays for Ashes to Ashes... a look back at the pre-PC days.

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[nigel99 150]

Quote

Is it any different from Kiddies T.V or Welsh?

Are those 2 different to the asian and black specific channels hosted in the UK? No you can argue they are not however Welsh is a nationality not a race and Wales recognises Welsh as an official language so it is different. Also everyone whether black/white or asian has kiddies so that channel is not really segmented either - unless in the interests of fairness you have teletubbies mingled with porno's?

The aspect that specifically caught my attention was the fact that it is to be broadcast TARGETED outside the UK so it is not intended for local consumption. In an area that they say is already crowded.

I don't have a problem that the BBC World-service is something that costs us taxpayers money, but it is targeted world-wide to provide informed coverage to people & countries where there is a vacuum of coverage. Admittedly I only listen to world service if I am driving pre-5am but the coverage is pretty broad and interesting.

Turning the argument on its head - can you justify any positive benefits of the new channel?

Experienced jumper - someone who has made mistakes more often than I have and lived.

[shropshire 0]

I agree with you entirely - just joshing

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome