Must-Read About Alhurra TV

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Correction: The University of Missouri has received a grant to train Alhurra TV journalists. It may be for $50,000, but I'm waiting for final confirmation. I apologize to my readers for originally passing on the incorrect figure of $500,000.

Statement of Broadcasting Board of Governors on Reports about Arabic TV Broadcasts
December 11, 2008

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is posting three recent reports about Alhurra Television, the BBG's Arabic-language television service to the Middle East. Reports by the University of Southern California, Annenberg School; by a professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism; and by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) are being used as tools in the BBG's continued evaluation of Alhurra and in Alhurra's management and program planning. Audience and market research on Alhurra from June 2008 is another important source of input.

(PDF)

In 2007, the BBG contracted with the Annenberg School to conduct a study of Alhurra Television and determine how its programming conforms with its Journalistic Code. Annenberg's report, "Evaluation of Alhurra Television Programming," which examined programming that aired during November 2007, makes recommendations for improving the quality and depth of broadcasts. The BBG agrees with some of these recommendations and will use them to help chart the way forward for Alhurra.

Go to the Annenberg report:
(PDF)

Alhurra Television asked the Chairman of the Radio-Television Journalism Faculty of the University of Missouri School of Journalism to examine its program content as part of an annual performance review process. The University examined programming from July 2008. The report states that "Alhurra Television does most things right most of the time," while also acknowledging the need for more in-depth training and editorial vigilance. The recommendations included in this study will also assist Alhurra in its ambitious training program to continue to develop the quality of its broadcast product.

Go to University of Missouri Report:
(PDF)

The BBG has also benefited from a May 2008 Office of Inspector General report, which reviewed Alhurra's current programming policies and procedures. This report takes note of progress made at Alhurra, concluding that "during the past year (Alhurra) has put into place more vigorous policies, procedures, training, and tools for transparency in order to preserve its credibility.

Go to the OIG report: (PDF)

As Alhurra's stature and audience grow in the region, the BBG will remain vigilant in monitoring program quality and impact. Alhurra has developed a reputation as a valued source for English and Arabic news organizations. Alhurra is already drawing the largest audience U.S. international broadcasting has ever attracted in the Middle East. With
the benefit of these independent analyses, we look forward to the continued growth of the network's audience and journalistic excellence.

The BBG must like what it read in the University of Missouri report. Dafna Linzer reports at ProPublica that Missouri has been awarded a contract to train Alhurra reporters.

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Comments

[LetitiaKing]

Want to be sure you have the facts straight. The allegation that the University of Missouri was granted a $500,000 contract is totally false. Appreciate you making a correction.

[Nancy Snow - Huffpost Blogger]

Are you the same Letitia King who is spokesperson for the BBG? I'm reporting what was posted by ProPublica's Dafna Linzer, whose veracity I trust and whose sources are credible. Thanks for writing.

[Nancy Snow - Huffpost Blogger]

I have posted a correction. The grant exists, but not that amount. I was misinformed. Apologies.