http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/media/story.jsp?story=400113
Dyke attacks American media networks for 'gung-ho' coverage of Gulf conflict
By Ian Burrell Media and Culture Correspondent 25 April 2003


Greg Dyke, director general of the BBC, attacked American television and
radio networks for their "shocking" and "gung-ho" coverage of the Iraq
conflict yesterday. He also issued a warning against US companies being
allowed greater ownership of British media.

Mr Dyke said that changes to legislation proposed by the Government would
allow American media companies to take a greater share of British
television and radio, which could lead to a loss of impartiality in news
coverage.

"We must ensure that we don't become Americanised," he said. Mr Dyke also
accused the Government of trying to "manage public opinion" and "apply
pressure" on the BBC.

In his first public comments since the war, Mr Dyke said America had "no
news operation strong enough or brave enough to stand up against" the White
House and Pentagon. He said: "Personally, I was shocked while in the United
States by how unquestioning the broadcast news media was during this war."

Mr Dyke said that since the 11 September terrorist attacks, many American
networks had "wrapped themselves in the American flag and swapped
impartiality for patriotism".

He said: "I think compared to the United States we see impartiality as
giving a range of views, including those critical of our own Government's
position. I think in the United States, particularly since 11 September,
that would be seen as unpatriotic." Mr Dyke said that on a recent visit to
America he was "amazed by how many people just came up to me and said they
were following the war on the BBC because they no longer trusted the
American electronic news media". Mr Dyke reserved some of his strongest
criticisms for Clear Channel, the largest operator of radio stations in
America. The company is likely to be a beneficiary of government plans to
open up ownership of commercial radio in Britain.

He said: "We were genuinely shocked when we discovered that the largest
radio group in the US was using its airwaves to organise pro-war rallies.
We are even more shocked to discover that the same group wants to become a
big player in radio in the UK."

Mr Dyke attacked Fox News and CNN for what he described as "gung-ho"
coverage.

In contrast, the BBC was an "800lb gorilla" that was capable of holding off
the Government's attempts to interfere in editorial decisions, he said.

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