[Media-watch] FW: Reporting dissent

[Emma Miller]

----------
From: Emma Miller <emma_miller at talk21.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2003 19:14:59 +0000
To: <allan.mackay at bbc.co.uk>, <diarmid.ohara at bbc.co.uk>, <info at bbc.co.uk>
Subject: Reporting dissent



Dear Allan Mackay,

I have just watched your interview with a tearful Iraqi exile in Scotland
(also broadcast on the Lunchtime news).  She was reported as supporting an
uprising in Basra, as very worried for her family.  She was sandwiched in
between forces wives who also spoke of their worries.  This had the overall
effect of presenting her as a supporter of the war, which she plainly is
not.  As you will be aware the T shirt she had on stated unambiguously NOT
IN MY NAME.  But most of your viewers will not be aware of this since she
was framed to close for the bottom of the slogan to be seen.

You are aware of the level of dissent in this country.  By manipulating this
woman's views, the BBC has again minimised the level of dissent in Scotland
against this war. This evening George Galloway could be heard on STV
describing the latest coalition actions as 'state terrorism'.  Why is the
BBC refusing to allow dissent to be voiced?  Is this distortion connected to
Richard Sambrook's memo of 6 Feb or did you decide yourself to distort this
woman's views?


Yours

Emma Miller