In-House Memos on Television News Presentations

           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

(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 investigations…

(April 9 ) …play down the Moscow meetings w. Schroeder, Putin and French. Please, no mention of NATO problems…

(April 9 ) …concerning Moscow meetings, say Russia, Germany and France are willing to forgive their huge Iraqi debts at the direct request of President. Stress the need for Iraq to rebuild after years of repression and need to keep her funds “to help her people.”

(April 8 ) …develop possible linkage between Iraqi mobs and US need to police the country  for a “brief time” to prevent any attempt to stifle emerging democracy. Do not mention probability of continued large US military presence. Stress the words “restoring law and order” and “helping to make the transition to true democracy.”

(April 11)  US attack on Russian Ambassador’s convoy either to be ignored or blamed on “unknown Arab terrorists” who support Hussein. Considered expedient that if mention is made of attack, not to identify the country involved. This incident, officially termed a misunderstanding, is being cleared up with Russia now.

 ( April 7)… attacks on foreign media, often unfriendly to US,  to be explained as a “tragic error” and use the rationale of “pro-Saddam last ditch fanatics sniping at liberating US troops.” from areas attacked by US armor.

(April 13 ) SARS is now officially “under control” in the US. Air travel, in the US, has been cleared by CDC and other groups as “entirely safe.” Officially, there are no deaths from SARS in the United States. Use feed clips from CBC on “complete control” of disease in Canada… also mention lack of responsible reporting on subject by China.

(April 9 ) …in coverage of rebuilding of Iraq’s infrastructure, mention that American firms have expressed willingness to ”assist Iraq people to build a new, democratic nation.” No mention, by name, of Halliburton or Bechtel.

(April 10 ) show mention of restoration of Moscow statue of KGB founder…(linkage here) mention Putin’s former membership in KGB and very brief discussion of “growing pro-Stalinist” feelings in Russia. Consider this background for future series on same subject.

Part 4

(April 16) ….a pending lawsuit against the FBI concerning its ‘no fly list’ should be treated as a ‘lack of comprehension’ by the American public. Negative comments are that this new regulation is designed to prevent elements hostile to the Administration from involvement in so-called “Peace” meetings, rallies and protests. Official view, to be stressed, is that this new regulation is to prevent suspected terrorists  or persons having possibly dangerous views, i.e., militant Muslims etc. from using another commercial aircraft as in the 9/11 terrorist strike. We are advised that the list will be maintained as before….

(April 18) The President’s generous and statesmanlike offer to North Korea to open “substantive” negotiations should be linked with commentary about the “absolute support” in the PRC for the President’s peace moves and their willingness to help reign in a terrorist and communistic leadership needs special attention….

(April 19) Regarding North Korea, it is urgently requested by the White House that any reference to the President’s determination to remove the existing leadership of that country by downplayed. It should be mentioned as an “option” rather than the intention of the President.

(April 19) …in liberated Iraq, the apparent rejection by “dissident elements” of the country to continued US military and business presence is to be shown to be “against the will of the newly-liberated Iraqi people...” The on-going killings of pro-US Iraqis and occasional US military personal are to be downplayed and attributed to “rogue, pro-Saddam” persons. It is to be stressed, with photos and feature articles, that the Iraqi people “warmly greet their American liberators…”  …any discussion about the CIA connections of US-sponsored new Iraqi leadership cadres is to be curtailed.

(April 19)…the portions of the Administration’s plan to lift Iraqi sanctions that deal with the humanitarian aspect of the rebuilding of Iraq are to be stressed. Subsequent US de facto control of the oil there, if mentioned, will concentrate on the fact that oil revenues from liberated Iraq will initially be utilized to pay for the costs of the campaign and later to support the military and administrative systems now being implemented.

(April 20) …the new Budget should be summarized as a plan to revitalize the economy, which began its decline as the result of certain actions within the previous administration, and the tax cuts are not designed to assist the wealthy but the entire American public.

(April 21) There needs to be a cohesive attitude towards SARS. We cannot hide that this disease is now rampant throughout Asia and has a growing death toll. It is considered very important not to mention the spread of the disease in the US or to acknowledge any fatalities. The latter are now ascribed as due to pneumonia…if the spread of SARS continues as predicted, mass quarantine is considered by the CDC and the Surgeon General’s office as almost mandatory….Canadian officials, very concerned with the high concentration of SARS-infected persons in Toronto are informing US officials that a general quarantine in that country may be mandatory. This should be a subject for comment, mentioning that Canadian health officials see mass quarantining as the “best and easiest” solution to the rapid spread of the disease…’We are working on a new vaccine that will stop this Asian (stress this here) disease and protect the American public.’ No mention of the fact that such a vaccine is months away if it happens at all….and it is considered imperative that no, repeat no, panic develop in the US. In sum, this is an Asian disease that mostly affects Asians.

(April 21) Stories planted in the South Korean press about North Korean ‘missile parts’ found in Alaska are not to be repeated in the media unless and until it is considered necessary as groundwork for projected military action….

(April 22) …the lower gas prices at the pump should be ascribed to an “overproduction” by our Middle Eastern allies. When the controls are lifted, the resulting rise is to be attributed to “lack of cooperation” by possibly hostile Arab oil producing nations that the President is seriously concerned about.

(April 22) Please continue the present blackout on Israeli military activity on the Iraqi borders…Iranian activity with the Sunni elements in Iraq are to be highlighted as “unwarranted interference” in the American plans for the reconstruction of a new and democratic Iraq. Possible US military and security  countermeasures are to be highlighted as “anti-militant Islamic” in nature.

(April 23) Russian attitudes about repayments of past Iraqi oil debts are on blackout…