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US Media Chief Clarifies Remarks About Foreign Broadcasters

   VOA News 07 October 2010
   Walter Isaacson (file photo)

Photo: AP

   Walter Isaacson (file photo)

   The  new  head  of the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors has backed
   off  remarks  he  made  last  week  that  appeared  to  describe Iran,
   Venezuela, Russia and China as "enemies."
   In  a  statement  issued  Thursday,  the  board  said  chairman Walter
   Isaacson  meant  to  refer to "enemies within Afghanistan - those that
   advocate terrorism."
   Isaacson, in a speech to Radio Free Europe on Sept. 28, said the Voice
   of  America and its sister broadcasters risked being "out-communicated
   by  our  enemies."Â   He  then  listed  Russia Today, Iran's Press TV,
   Venezuela's  TeleSur  and  China's  planned launch of an international
   24-hour news channel.
   Russia  Today,  a  government-funded  media  network,  suggested  that
   Isaacson's   words   were   aimed   at  raising  more  money  for  his
   organization's budget, which is controlled by the U.S. Congress.
   The  BBG  is  the  parent  group  that oversees the U.S. international
   broadcasting   outlets  Voice  of  America,  Radio  Free  Europe/Radio
   Liberty,  Radio  Free  Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks and
   the Office of Cuba Broadcasting.

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