In-House Memos on Television News Presentations


Curt Sampson
In-House Memos on Television News Presentations
Wed Sep 17 16:37:00 2003
64.140.159.26

In-House Memos on Television News Presentations

From: Curt Sampson
During the middle of March, 2003, tbrnews received an email from a man who
claimed to be a mid-level executive with a major American television network. He
stated in this, and subsequent, emails that he was in possession of "thousands"
of pages of in-house memos sent from his corporate headquarters in New York City
to the head of the network's television news department. He went on to say that
these memos set forth directives about what material was, and was not, to be
aired on the various outlets of the network.

This individual claimed he was developing serious doubts about the strict
control of media events and decided that he would pass this material along to
someone who might make use of it.

There was the question of his job security. If someone published his name, it
would be certain he was not only fired but blackballed throughout his
profession.

If tbrnews.org would agree to protect his identity, he would send us these
alleged thousands of pages of notes, going back to 2001.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating so we accepted his caveats and he then
sent to us by disk the pages he spoke of. All are on corporate stationary,
signed or initialed by the senders and again, signed or initialed by the
recipients in the news division.

It was always possible that this material consisted of a very involved hoax or
was something designed for the news site to use and then have it revealed that
it was not original. It would not be the first time that spurious disinformation
had been sent to us in the hopes that it would be used.

There were not "thousands of pages" of memos but a total of 1,497 separate pages
involved. Many of them consisted of short memos while others ran to a larger
format.

Naturally, someone could easily have obtained correct in-house network
letterheads, made copies of them and prepared false memoranda but the sheer size
and depth of the collection was impressive.

If these memos were true, they showed with a terrible clarity that at least one
part of the American mass media was strictly controlled and that the news was so
doctored and spun that it might as well be official news releases from the White
House and Pentagon.

The best way in which to ascertain whether or not these documents contained
original information was to check the dates of issuance and compare the
information with subsequent news stories.

This was a terrible, time-consuming chore but by selecting random memos and
looking through the archives of various national newspapers, checking AP
releases and so on, the results indicated that indeed, news was being managed.

However, it was also possible that someone else did this and was preparing these
after the fact and making the memos conform to published material.

That having been said, we insisted on absolutely current memos so that we could
then check these against future publications. If, for example, a corporate fiat
was to show certain pictures or spin a story in a certain way, it would be
relatively simple to simply read the press or watch television news to see if
these suggestions were implemented.

It was both shocking and gratifying to note that this proved to be the case in a
preponderance of cases and so we began to put these up, either in toto or, more
often, in excerpt and watch as ordained news was created before our eyes.

When a corporate order states, for instance, that certain pictures should be
shown with accompanying commentary and the memo predates a published story by a
week or more, then it is more than likely that the memos are not inspired
guesswork but genuine.

When tbrnews put up the first two pages, there were two basic forms of public
response. One was to thank us for exposing something many people believed; that
the American media was controlled and not free. (That much can easily be
ascertained by reading the websites of various reputable foreign publications
such as the Swiss NZZ, the British Guardian, the Canadian Toronto Globe and
Mail, Reuters News Service and the Jerusalem Post. What any viewer can see on
these sites is certainly not reflected in the American media.)

The second response consisted of irate, and literate, statements to the effect
that all of these items were just stupid hoaxes and should not be believed. "I
believe," one writer who claimed to be a Professor of Journalism at an Ivy
League college said, "these are just disinformation designed to discredit
American journalists whose reputation for honesty and integrity is certainly
beyond question. You are performing a great disservice in repeating these
politically-motivated fictions."

This is certainly a true statement because if it became generally accepted that
the American media was only a mechanical parrot for various political
organization, it would no longer be either believed or watched. If viewers
turned off their television sets, the networks would lose huge amounts of
advertising revenue, reporters would be laid off and people would turn instead
to the Internet for their news.

Tbrnews receives many emails on a daily basis but the input on this subject has
been so great that we have decided to expand the articles, irate journalists and
professors to the contrary.

In the final analysis, it is always up to the reader to make up their own mind
as to the truth, or fiction, of what they read. The media has an opposite view
of this.

It is fairly obvious that the average Americans get their news either from TV,
mostly, or from the print media. If someone in East Peoria, Illinois sees
something on CNN, the Voice of the White House, they have no reason to question
it. And don't. The establishment does not worry about the lone man with a
website that, as in our case, reaches perhaps 100,000 people at a time when they
have control over NBC, CBS, ABC and CNN that can, an do, reach millions a day.

What to they care about people who email messages back and forth? Even if a
Pentagon plan to nuke North Korea were up on the net, all that would happen is
that some would say, "See, I told you so!" while others would say "Oh shame! You
are questioning our Glorious Leader and putting our Brave Troops in danger!"

If some astronomer had absolute proof that a three mile wide asteroid was going
to hit this planet in ten days, do you think any of the mass media would ever
mention a word of it? This would cause mass panic and the last thing the
establishment wants is a public that is out of control. They would find out the
target area and keep away from it, along with their friends and members of their
families. The rest of us would be either squashed or roasted alive but they
don't care about us only so long as we pay our taxes without complaint.

If the honesty of the American mass media is brought into serious question,
perhaps the establishment cannot jam their lies down the public's throat with
such ease.

Walter Storch "Authoritarian government required to speak, is
silent...Representative government required to speak, lies with impunity". --
Napoleon

(March 22):..it is not conducive to maintaining an overall neutrality in the
Palestine uprisings to show any pictures of the American peacenik that was run
over by the Israeli army bulldozer. This is only to be mentioned as a "tragic
accident" for which the IDF "is truly saddened." (Feb 10)..It is not permitted
at this point to use or refer to any film clips, stills or articles emanating
from any French source whatsoever. (Feb 26) It is expected that coverage of
the forthcoming Iraqi campaign will be identical with the coverage used during
Desert Storm. Shots of GIs must show a mixed racial combination..any interviews
must reflect the youthful and idealistic, not the cynical point of view.the
liberation of happy, enthusiastic Iraqis can be best shown by filming crowds of
cheering citizens waving American flags. Also indicated would be pictures of
photogenic GIs fraternizing with Iraqi children and handing them food or other
non-controversial presents.of course, pictures of dead US military personnel are
not to be shown and pictures of dead Iraqi soldiers should not show examples of
violent death.also indicated would be brief interviews with English-speaking
Iraqi citizens praising American liberation efforts.all such interviews must be
vetted by either the White House or Pentagon before public airing. (March 12) At
this point in time, reference to North Korean military threats must be played
down entirely. The Iraqi Freedom campaign has to be concluded in the public mind
before proceeding with the next assault on the Evil Axis.. (March 26) US
alliances with the Turkish/Iraqi Kurdish tribes should be played down. This is
considered a very sensitive issue with the Turks and American arming and support
of the Kurds could create a severe backlash in Ankara..Kurds should be depicted
as 'Iraqi Freedom Fighters" and not identified as Kurds. (March 2) further
references to the religious views of the President are to be deleted. (March 15)
photo opportunities of the President and members of his cabinet, especially
Secretary Rumsfeld, with enthusiastic GIs.. (March 19) No mention, repeat, no
mention, of Palestinian suicide bombers during the Iraqi operation.. (March 25)
.no mention of either Wolfowitz or Pearle should be made at the present time.
(March 10)..pro-Government rallies are to be given the fullest coverage.if anti-
Government demonstrations are shown, it is desired to stress either a very small
number of "eccentrics" or shots of social misfits; i.e., with beards, tattoos,
physical deformities, etc. Pro-Government supporters should be seen as clean cut
with as many well-groomed subjects as possible..subjects should stress complete
support for the President's programs and especially support for American
military units en route to combat.also interviews with photogenic family members
of participating GIs stressing loyalty and affection.American flags are always a
good prop in the background. (March 30) Friction between Secretary Rumsfeld and
senior military field commanders in Iraq are to be strictly minimalized and used
only when impossible to avoid..the Secretary's point of view on all military
matters is to be stressed..important to bring out his reputation as a "man who
shakes things up" and a brilliant innovator. (March 31) ..no discussion of high-
level rumors about pre-emptive tactical nuclear strikes against North Korean
missile, "hard" artillery positions opposite Seoul or key North Korean
leadership or military commands is to be mentioned. It must be stressed that the
North Korean situation is viewed as "serious but not critical" by unnamed
"senior U.S. military leaders." (March 31) ..no mention of PRC strong objections
to US pre-emptive actions against North Korea..a short summary of the
President's refusal to "enter into any kind of negotiations" with the North
Korean government..background report on the irrational and anti-democratic
forces in North Korea.the desire of South Korea's officials to maintain a close
relationship with their American military protectors..no discussion of anti-US
demonstrations in Seoul. These can be routinely dismissed as "radical students
who are not supported by the new liberal and strongly pro-American President."

April 4) .sharply rising unemployment numbers, this should be countered with
official interviews stressing that the unemployment situation is now stabilizing
and expected to fall soon. (March 30) Because of the seriousness of the spread
of SARS, actual figures of either the infected or of any deaths from local
medical facilities must be carefully vetted via the CDC press information office
in Atlanta. From the highest level, it is imperative that the American public
not panic over the very rapid spread of this disease. Speculations of the actual
nature of SARS is not under any circumstances to be permitted. Keep in mind the
currently in- place rules following the outbreak of "Legionnaires Disease."
(April 4) .a discussion of French desecrations of American and British war
graves in France are to receive specific notice. Also, damage to the 9/11
memorial in Paris is to be included. No pictures of swastikas or other
defamatory and anti-Administration graffiti are to be shown. French official
apologies are permitted...no comments equating the President with Hitler will be
made..and the invasion of Iraq may not be compared with Hitler's invasion of
Poland, and such allegations now being made extensively in offshore media
coverage are not to receive any attention. The Iraqi campaign is officially a
campaign by a democratic United States against ruthless cruelty and oppression.
(April 5).. comments appearing in the left-wing British Guardian about the
occupation and administration of a conquered Iraq by American military personnel
are to be ignored. Pacification, liberation, freedom and gratitude towards US
forces, and the President are to be stressed. (March 29) The President's goal,
to achieve oil autarchy by the United States, is suggested as a future series.
Congressional denial of drilling in various environmentally "sensitive" areas
may be derided as foolish misunderstanding of America's vital oil needs. The
interdiction of oil shipments to the United States from Venezuela and Nigeria
are not to be commented upon. The attitude of Chavez towards the United States
is also considered a non-topic. He was removed from power once and it can happen
a second time. File footage of large crowds of distressed and unhappy
Venezuelans should be prepared against the time he is removed from power again.
(April 4) If possible, pictures of the President with a book or, better,
actually reading, are suggested. Commentary about his extensive reading
habits.stress important historical and economic works. (April 5) Presidential
visits to military units in the United States are to receive full coverage and
to extend past the usual slot time.spots of especially warm receptions are
considered very important. (April 7) Please arrange for photo ops of
President visiting wounded GIs..Use photogenic subjects w/good racial mix. Also
try for pix of First Lady handing wounded subject a gift.President decorating
wounded (in hospital bed) w medal(s) Make sure subject smiles at P. Warm
handshakes (if possible.) (April 7 ) .no shots of GIs looting in Baghdad. Iraqi
looters should be described as "joyful" at being liberated by US. Looting to be
described as a "deprived people getting food for families".all pictures from
forbidden French press sources of a US General's staff car being filled with
paintings and carpets to be blacklisted at Pentagon request. If such pixs show
up on other networks, comment be made that General is "rescuing art treasures to
preserve them for the Iraqi people." Also Iraqi rioters could be shown waving in
friendly way to GIs. ( April 4 ) Alliance casualties to be played down. The
massive Iraqi civilian casualties also played down. Use the phrase, "most
civilian casualties caused by vindictive Saddam supporters." Again, no pixs of
dead women and children. (April 6 ) Artillery targeting of several mosques to be
deleted... (April 2) . prepare a piece on the withdrawal of all US troops from
S. Korea. Main theme: US pulling out to prevent N. Korea from attacking. Stress
the pro-US stance of Noh and his firm support of the President and his goal of
preventing N. Korean military adventurism.no mention of ongoing S. Korean anti-
US riots. They are to be called "radical student demonstrations" but do not show
clips unless it can be determined that the numbers shown are very small. (Jan
21, 2002 ). in any article on Enron collapse, it is not considered advisable to
discuss role of K. Lay. Charges against lesser Enron executives to be stressed.
Lay's extensive gifts to President to be limited to "small campaign
contributions" and shift emphasis to large gifts to Ashcroft for his
presidential campaign. Mention A's recusal from Enron inves

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