Executives at the American Cable News Network (CNN) dismissed reports during the weekend that CNN might be removed from the air in Israel, saying it retains strong
relationships with that country's satellite and cable distributors.
But, at least partly in response to protests and pressure about its coverage from Israeli government officials and viewers, CNN adopted a new policy to avoid the use of videotaped statements by Palestinian suicide bombers. Additionally, Eason Jordan, the top news executive at CNN, flew to Israel for consultations with Israeli officials about covering the conflict, The New York Times reported.
Meanwhile, the Israeli YES satellite company denied reports Sunday that it was planning to submit a request to the Cable and Satellite TV Council to cease airing the BBC and CNN stations, Israel Radio reported.
The Yes management discussed the topic Sunday, and its CEO said after the meeting that the company did not plan to decide for its clients what stations they should view.
The company said it had added an additional channel, Fox News, to its variety of news stations, but said that it did not intend removing any of the other news stations, the radio said.
Earlier Sunday, the radio reported that Communications Minister Reuven Rivlin said that he would not object if cable companies request to remove BBC and CNN from the basic broadcasting package, for economic reasons or due to viewers' requests. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
