Excellent report on Alhurra, the controversial Arab-language TV network supported by President Bush to promote American views in the Middle East. The report is fair, based on extensive factual evidence, and provides helpful context on an important topic. Be sure to watch the 60 Minutes broadcast, as this is a joint production between CBS News and Pro Publica, the new nonprofit investigative journalism organization supported by Herb and Marion Sandler. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/19/60minutes/main4196477.shtml

This was a good story to investigate and consider, as it speaks to the heart of how America deals with the Middle East. That being said, there was a sensationalism and a kind of ignorance about the sophistication of Arab audiences, that I found a little off-putting.

In depth news analysis of how the Bush administration tried to get its message across in the Middle East with an Arab language television station located in Virgina. Excellent investigation and reporting in multi media teaming with 60 Minutes, video, and will have online questions answered. The station has encountered serious and embarrassing mismanagement and one wonders if the government should be running a television station.

It's really hard to believe the level of incompetence shown in this report, even though it seems to be fair, well sourced, factual, etc. etc. However, it won't be the first time a government PR effort has foundered due to incompetence at the top, leading to insidiousness at lower levels. Undoubtedly it won't be the last, regardless of which party is in power. The report is also an interesting foray for ProPublica which as I understand it is an experiment in net based investigative reporting.