British Forces Broadcasting Service Letter To Ed

The Editor Scoop Independent News www.scoop.co.nz

8 April 2005

Sirs

Re: British Forces Broadcasting Service

Following David Miller’s article ‘BBC Say ‘Fake Journalists’ Will Not Be Used Again’ published on Scoop.co.nz on 24 March 2005, British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) Radio and Television would like to state that we are editorially independent from the Ministry of Defence. This independence is enshrined within the contract that Services Sound and Vision Corporation (SSVC, the parent group) has with the MoD.

BFBS enjoys unfettered reporting and the staff of more than 100 broadcasters take exception to allegations of bias which undermines the credibility of the service. Additionally it is an insult to the intelligence of thousands of British military personnel to suggest that they are spoonfed propaganda laundered by BFBS.

BFBS reporting sits alongside the BBC, ITV News and IRN; if we were to employ such a cynical manipulation of information, as suggested within David Miller’s article, we would be entirely discredited with both our audience and our peers. All BFBS staff rigorously follow industry standards regarding independence, balance and accuracy and are categorically not purveyors of propaganda.

Charles Foster, Controller BFBS Radio Helen Williams, Controller BFBS TV

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