Communities' Advisories To KQED
The KQED Report E-mails to KQED from the community requesting the broadcasting of: "Palestine Is Still The Issue" The following are but a few of the many letters sent to KQED |
June 29, 2003 Dear Mr. Clarke: It is my understanding that you are considering airing the following documentary: "Palestine Is Still The Issue" by John Pilger. I believe it would be in the best interest of your community, as well as in conformance with your mission to air this on local broadcast media. It has been aired in many locals, but in a manner inaccessible to most of your viewers. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, David Fielder |
Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2003 14:25:54 -0700 (PDT) From: Adrian Subject: Please show "Palestine is Still the Issue"! To: jboland@kqed.org Dear John, I am writing to request that KQED please air John Pilger's "Palestine is Still the issue". Ever since this documentary aired in England last year, I have tried to get my hands on a copy so I can see it for myself. From what I've heard about its reception in England, this is the type of program that is desperately needed on American television: well researched and critical of the received wisdom and our government's foreign policy. Documentaries such as this, unseen on American television, provide a critical perspective which is the bedrock of democratic self-government: All too often, our mass media, including out publicly owned media, self-censor and therefore deny the public exposure to critically important, albeit unpopular viewpoints. Because of your abdication of your responsibility to American democracy, the American public is unable make critical and informed decisions with regards to the vital issues of our times. American television's wholesale capitulation to our government's lies during the recent Iraq war is, of course, the most important recent example of this. But the issue of Israel/Palestine must top the list of the most thoroughly censored and regularly distorted news items in modern American history. (Compare Middle East coverage and analysis in ANY major American newspaper or television channel to ANY major newspaper or television channel IN THE WORLD INCLUDING ISRAEL to understand the depth of American self-censorship.) And the debilitating effect of this distortion can be measured - in the shocked faces of millions of Americans who, after the tragedy of September 11, asked "But why do they hate us?" The American news media, yourselves included, should be ashamed that so many millions of Americans had to ask this simple question. Because practically everyone else in the world CAN answer it (quite easily), it points out your failure to do your job. But even this late in the day, there is still a chance to improve this bleak situation. Please air (to start) John Pilger's Palestine is Still the Issue. Please stand on your principles for what you know to be in the interests of critically informed democratic self-government, and against the well-heeled, powerful special interest groups who work endlessly to keep the American public in the dark. So much of our nation's future is in your hands. Please make what you know in your heart to be the right decision. Thank you very much, Adrian P.S. I write this letter as someone who used to work for the very same organizations who will lobby you not to show this documentary. So I too had to make the same decision that I am now asking you to make. |
Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2003 06:34:04 -0700 (PDT) Subject: KQED video decision To: jboland@kqed.org Mr. Boland, I am a subscriber/contributor to KQED and a big fan of public radio and TV. I have heard from a friend that you are considering showing "Palestine Is Still The Issue". While I understand how this could be controversial, I believe that is exactly why you should show it. I contribute to public broadcasting exactly for that reason - I, like others who contribute and watch or listen, count on you to bring us the news that the other media won't. I do not feel preference for either the Israelis or the Palestinians, but I do support a fair and peaceful settlement. However, I also support a more balanced approach in American policy and news coverage, both of which favor Israel, in my opinion. I'd like to know more from the other side of the dispute so that I may be better informed. Thank you. Dayne |
Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2003 08:43:58 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Yes for Pilger's "Palestine is Still the Issue" To: jboland@kqed.org, sdwyer@kqed.org Dear John and Scott, I am an avid viewer of KQED. I don't have cable because I feel it is just hundreds of channels of mainly garbage and advertising. If it wasn't for stations like KQED, I wouldn't even have a TV. I least I can turn to channel 9 for quality, thought provoking information. I especially like California Connected. Keep up the great work on programming! There is another thought provoking film that I hope you consider to air -- "Palestine is Still the Issue" by John Pilger. This independent film will allow viewers to hear from Israeli officials as well as the experiences of ordinary Israelis and Palestinians. This type of film contributes to a greater understanding of the Palestine / Israel debate by introducing information seldom provided through mainstream media outlets -- that's why KQED is the perfect station to air such a timely film. Already I've shown this to my large circle of friends (many KQED viewers) and many comment, "has anyone contacted KQED about this?" I hope you consider bringing such an important topic to the Bay Area, an audience that is hungry for such information .... I know you'll get many viewers. Sincerely, Sonya |
July 7, 2003 KQED Mr. John Boland, Chief Content Officer 2601 Mariposa San Francisco, CA 94410 Dear Mr. Boland: I thought I would never see the day of media censorship by the major networks and newspapers pressured and influenced by special interest groups, the major corporations and by our government's policies. What's left? Public Television and National Public Radio. However, this media too is being influenced. As a retiree, I have the luxury of reading several newspapers from others countries on the Internet. In fact, I learn more about the Middle East situation from Israel's Ha'aretz than our own newspapers. This is most unfortunate. I no longer trust our major news media to give honest balanced reporting. Recently, World Link TV News aired on Direct TV John Pilger's controversy film "Palestine Is Still The Issue". There is hope. Unfortunately we do not have Satellite TV and missed this important documentary. I am aware that KQED is considering airing this film. I understand that certain interests have a mission to stop KQED from airing this important film. In fairness to the American Public, I think KQED has an obligation to show this film and put politics and special interest groups aside. The United States has only a few voices left to inform main steam Americans with objective reporting. I look to KQED to be one of those voices. If we, as a country, have to sacrifice our freedom of speech because of special interest groups and our government's foreign polices, then I am afraid, we have lost what's most precious to Americans, the democratic principles upon which our country was founded. I implore you to air John Pilger's film "Palestine Is Still The Issue. Respectfully, Biagio |
July 8, 2003 TO: KQED I urge KQED you to air "Palestine is Still the Issue." This film has been shown both in Britain on the BBC and in New Zealand and was found by an independent commission to be factual. If Americans in general and Bay Area residents in particular are to get a true sense of what is happening in Israel and the Occupied Territories they must get accurate information and this film more than serves that purpose. Jan July 8, 2003 Dear John and Scott, I am writing to encourage you to air John Pilger's film, "Palestine Is Still the Issue." I live in Oakland and work as a volunteer to support a nonviolent/peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. As you can imagine, this is difficult work. What has made it especially challenging here in my own country is the lack of understanding among Americans about the historical/political/religious/racial/legal context of the conflict. I take myself as an example: although I am well-educated with a Masters in Public Policy and a long history of social service work, I myself held a distorted and incomplete understanding of the roots and current status of the situation. Most of my assumptions grew from Leon Uris's "Exodus," loyalty to Jewish friends and Holocaust survivors, and mainstream media reporting. After spending time in the region, I have had to face my misunderstandings and prejudices. Although there is nothing like witnessing reality with your own eyes, John Pilger does an excellent job of helping people who have not been to the region to better understand the actual circumstances under which people are living. His work has been scrutinized for accuracy and found to be well researched and complete. Admittedly, what you see in the film is difficult to believe unless you have been there. From the perspective of those caught up in the destruction and despair of this conflict, it is important and meaningful that their stories be told and that the isolation be lifted. From the perspective of my own needs, I believe that my work toward peace would be greatly facilitated by better educating the American public. The hopeful part for me is that the US is uniquely situated to make positive strides toward resolving this decades-long struggle. With an informed and resolved public, we can appropriately encourage our leadership to make the needed contribution toward peace. Thank you for your consideration and patience with this long-winded appeal. Please do let me know of your final decision. Best regards, Jennifer |
July 8, 2003 Dear Scott, I believe I may have contacted you before about showing my documentary "Truth: Exposing Israeli Apartheid", which I must admit is an amateur effort but has been very well received none-the-less by fellow Americans totally hungry for the truth. Please check out my website: www.exposingisraeliapartheid.com You will find more info about it and several of the many testimonials I have received from viewers, just a sampling of the people's comments who have purchased my video from 45 US states and 7 foreign countries. Although my documentary is amateur, since I am just learning the ropes, John Pilgers' film "Palestine is Still the Issue" is very high quality in every single way. I urge you to broadcast this extremely important documentary that is focussed on the most important issue of our time, namely the Palestine-Israel conflict. Americans need to learn the truth about how their tax dollars are being spent in Israel. Sincerely, Wendy |
July 9, 2003 Memo to: John Boland, Chief Content Officer and Scott Dwyer, Program Director, KQED TV. In an atmosphere of repression against freedom of speech, giant corporate takeover's of the media and the suppression of all of our democratic rights KQED TV was one of the exceptions. Please do not join the ranks of the main-stream media in shutting out differences of opinion on the issue of Palestine. John Pilger has been an outspoken opponent of the war and of Israel's treatment of the Palestinian people. What do we have left if even KQED TV will not show Mr. Pilger's documentary film, "Palestine is still the issue"? In the interest of democracy and free speech we urge KQED TV to air this important contribution to the debate that rages throughout the Middle East and the world. The restriction of information can only lead to deadly errors in judgement and action. The U.S. Government is spending millions of our tax dollars to support Israel's attack on the Palestinian people. The American people have a right to hear a difference of opinion! What kind of democracy are we going to have left if we are not allowed to see opposing views on such important issues. Let freedom ring! Show this documentary in prime time! Peace, Bonnie |
July 9, 2003 Subject: Palestine Is Still The Issue Dear Mr. Boland & Mr. Dwyer: I have been informed of the screening copy you received of Palestine Is Still The Issue on July 1st. It is also my understanding that there are questions regarding the airing of this documentary. I strongly urge you, as a public service, to air all information on the middle-east topic as soon as possible. Our nation remains on the brink of critical decisions affecting millions of people, including all citizens of the U.S. It is becoming increasing apparent that our current administration has suppressed freedom of speech in the corporate media. I view this as an extremely dangerous tide threatening our basic principles as well as our national security. The truth must be spoken. Since no one seems to know the truth, it is imperative that information be presented to the public in order for We...The People to make educated decisions as we move forward. Any and all information can be presented with the caveat that it is documentary evidence based upon a particular viewpoint. It remains an individuals right to accept or deny the evidence presented. As a Public Service broadcasting station you have a responsibility to present all information available. KQED is supported by the people and for the people...that must sound familiar. Thank you for your time and I trust you will give this serious consideration. If we cannot trust our Public Service media, then we cannot support them either. Sincerely, Wayne |
July 10, 2003 TO: John Boland, Chief Content Officer, KQED Scott Dwyer, Program Director, KQED Dear Sirs, I am writing to appeal to you to air the documentary "Palestine Is Still The Issue" by John Pilger of which, I have been told, you have a screening copy. I recently saw the academy award winning movie "The Pianist". In the movie the Nazi Germans create a German-only road through occupied Warsaw where the Jews must wait for long periods of time for relatively few Germans to pass. This racist behavior (in the name of "security") is being wrought on the Palestinians by the Israelis in present-day Palestine and documented for everyone to see in this film. It was a shock to me that this is going on right under my nose. I realize that this film does not have anything good to say about the Israeli side of the conflict so I would not be upset if you felt that you needed to air some kind of "rebuttal" programming to balance the tone. I personally would prefer to see two separate shows from each camp than a single "fair" show. I simply don't trust "fair" programming where the opinions are pre-digested and presented to me. Case in point: A few years back, I viewed a program on KQED that documented the effects of genetic engineering on the world. Forgive me but I've forgotten the name of the show (It was probably Nova). After viewing the program I considered the case for genetic engineering almost a wash. On the one side there is genetically engineered items that have problems on the other side you have chemicals and toxins that cause other problems. It was a "fair" program. However, after viewing numerous "commercials" on your station for Archer Daniels Midland (ADM "Supermarket to the world"), it occurs to me that maybe I can't trust this "fair" programming. Do you see my point? When I get pre-digested programming I still have to do research to find out which side is true (or maybe it really IS a wash....but I can't be sure until I've checked). I feel strongly about the Palestine issue and I think that "biased" programming will get us nowhere. Will "fair" programming viewers will throw up their arms and say, "Well, I guess there really is no solution to this middle east problem". I think it is ime to hear clearly from both sides and let people make up their own minds. In my case, I think this film spells out the solution for that inscrutable middle east problem quite nicely. James |
July 10, 2003 Dear Mr. Boland: I urge you I implore you to show John Pilger's excellent film, "Palestine is Still The Issue." If our democracy is to be healthy and vibrant it is imperative that the American public be an educated public. The crucial situation in the Middle East demands that the public be fully informed about the Palestinian situation, however unpalatable it is. It is the moral obligation of the media, especially our public media, to have the courage to present the public with full, accurate information. As one who has been to Palestine/Israel several times in the last 50 years, I have been appalled at the way the conflict is being portrayed in theUS media. How sad that Americans have to turn to sources outside of our country to fully understand what's happening in the Middle East. John Pilger is well known for his accurate reporting. "Palestine is Still the Issue" has been reviewed frequently and commended for being unbiased. Significantly, the Independent Television Commission in England reviewed the film for all of 3 months and praised it for its accuracy. The Commission, also, especially applauded the film for its use of Israeli sources. By courageously refusing to suppress the Palestinian side of the Middle East conflict, KQED can be a leader in bringing about more unbiased reporting. Our democracy needs you. I hope you will accept the challenge. Sincerely, Edith |
July 10, 2003 To: John Boland, Chief Content Officer, KQED Scott Dwyer, Program Director, KQED Dear Sirs, It is my understanding that you have been asked to show the documentary film produced by John Pilger, "Palestine is Still the Issue" and that you are now in possession of a screening copy for your review. I also understand that you have resisted showing the film for reasons unexplained. My question to you is thus .... why would you not show this film ?? I have seen this exemplarily documentary and do not understand why Public Broadcasting and network TV are not fighting over the rights to show this film. It is insightful, dares to question what this country has for far too long made an untouchable subject - the atrocities and brutal occupation of the Palestinian people and their lands by the Israeli military. KQED has shown many films regarding the Jewish holocaust at the hands of the Nazi regime - a truly horrific event which occurred in part by the worlds' ambivalence. This dark chapter in the history of our humanity needs to be told over and over again so that future generations learn from our past failures. Likewise, when similar atrocities are being committed today, it is our responsibility to speak out and stop it before it's too late, such was the case of the Jewish Holocaust and the massacres in Rwanda...when the world acted, it was far too late. The Palestinian repression is beginning not unlike the Nazi repression of the Jews in the 1930's and in many ways, has progressed beyond simple denial of rights to outright killing, destruction of homes and theft of property. John Pilgers' film depicts these events in a very unbiased, factual and professional manner. This is a film the American public needs to see after all the years of being fed lies and half-truths about what the real situation is in the Occupied Territories. I hope you don't cower away from showing this film because you feel it may be "too controversial". Of course it's controversial ... it's supposed to be ! It is challenging years of myth in the media and will offend some staunch supporters of Israel who believe that God has promised them that land (Zionism) 2,000 years ago and all the indigenous peoples who lived there for the last few thousand years have got to go (unless you are Jewish) ! Well, if you offend those believes, then you are doing the right thing. There was a time when PBS was not afraid to broadcast such programming. I hope you regain some of that courage that has made PBS the exemplary information source that it was in it's earlier years. Bruce |
July 10, 2003 Dear Sirs, "Palestine is Still An Isuue" by John Pilger is an Emmy Award winning documentary. As CCO and Program Director I urge you to please approve and air this outstanding documentary as soon as possible. This will be a testimony to KQED/PBS to show to the people that indeed KQED is a public station. It has been reviewed by many and found to be without bias. The most significant finding was by the "Independent Television Commission" in England. A documentary of this stature done so candidly and without bias will be an honest education and service to the people of Bay Area. Thanks In Anticipation Athar |
July 15, 2003 Dear John Boland: First, I want to thank KQED for being interested in the video, "Palestine Is Still The Issue." I heard that KQED has officially acknowledged that the program department has received the "screening copy" of "Palestine Is Still The Issue" and I am thrilled to know that. On this critical time about peace talk between Israel and Palestine state, I believe that it's very important that public would have to be informed the crucial information which is hardly revealed in public. I've been always interested in the issue between Israel and Palestine. The resources and information that I had received about that issue were from news paper or TV. I had been influenced with the perspective that news paper and TV have. When I watched the video, I was exposed to a different perspective that I had never been informed from news and it helped me understand the issue profoundly. Yes, indeed, we can never tell how public response would be like when they see the video, "Palestine Is Still The Issue." However, what I believe is that people have to be exposed to various kind of information and perspective to be close to the truth of what is going on in a particular situation so that we will be able to avoid to have biased opinion. Therefore, I believe that the video could provide the tremendous opportunity for public to touch the one truth from one perspective and it could be the huge asset for people who are seeking and interested in knowing what is happening in Middle East. Thank you so much for giving me this chance to send you email and again, I would be very appreciated if KQED would air the video, "Palestine Is Still The Issue" and show one truth to the public. Emiko |
July 15, 2003 Subject: Please air the John Pilger Program To: Scott Dwyer, Program Director Dear Mr. Dwyer, My family and I are long time supporters of KQED, in large part because KQED provides alternative information on controversial subjects. I feel that getting different views on the important issue of Palestine is one of the best services your station can do for the public. Please be fair and let Pilger air. Thank you. Andrew |
July 15, 2003 Dear Mr Dwyer and Mr Boland: I've just been made aware that the forces that be at jcrc.org have launched an all out attack at John Pilger's documentary; Palestine is Still the Issue. Please be assured that your viewers are intelligent enough to make up their own minds regarding the truthfulness of this documentary. The people who watch KQED are not the same people who tune into mindless television and get their information from two-minute sound bites! This is of course, I believe, why the opposition to this documentary is so up in arms - they realize that an honest documentary will counter all the biased pro-Zionist 'information' we're forced fed in so much of the mass media. Again, I strongly urge you to do the right and honorable thing and air this program! To do otherwise would be to betray your viewers, to betray your charter and to succumb to the pressures of a powerful minority who seek to keep the truth from being aired. Thank you for your consideration! Most respectfully yours, Heinz |
July 15, 2003 Dear Mr. Boland and Mr. Dwyer, I understand that the Jewish Community Relations Council has mounted an e-mail campaign to dissuade KQED from showing "Palestine is Still the Issue." I do not know whether or not anyone from the JCRC has seen the video but I do know that organizations such as the JCRC routinely work to prevent any criticism of Israel, no matter how slight, from appearing in the media. As a Jew, with relatives in Israel, I know that there will never be peace between the Jews and the Arabs as long as the brutal and illegal occupation continues. And there can be no steps toward peace until there is also knowledge. I am forwarding this article written by John Pilger in 2002 in response to efforts by Britain's organized Jewish community to censor the film. BBC, to its credit, and New Zealand television had the courage to air "Palestine is Still the Issue." I hope that KQED will show that same courage. Jan |
July 16, 2003 To: John Boland and Scott Dwyer John Pilger, an award winning journalist and filmmaker, is well known for his dedication to social justice and his accurate, courageous, reporting. His latest documentary about Palestine, "Palestine is Still the Issue", has been reviewed frequently and found to be without bias. After the documentary came under fire in England, the Independent Television Commission studied it for three months and rejected all of the complaints against it. The ITC praised the film's "journalistic integrity" and "the care and thoroughness with which (the film) was researched". It commended the "comprehensiveness and authority" of the film's sources, especially since many of them were Israeli sources. The documentary's historical advisor, the distinguished Israeli historian, Professor Ilan Pappe', described the film as "faultless in its historical description and poignant in its message". According to Pilger, "Every word and frame was subject to a legal examination for accuracy and to ensure it complied with the fairness regulations in the (British) Broadcasting Act". Pilger's message about Israeli injustices to Palestinians seems to be supported by the recent granting of asylum to an Israeli Arab man by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, a federal court in San Francisco. (See enclosed Ha'aretz article). Pilger's documentary, clearly a valid representation of the Palestinian situation, is aired in countries around the world. It is unconscionable for it to be with held from Americans by a public channel like KQED. The fact that it is unpalatable to some viewers is no excuse. People who object to the film could be offered equal airtime to present their version of the history. The film could be followed by a discussion with competent leaders from both sides and opportunity for viewers to call in. Judging from the flood of calls KQED is getting, there is undoubtedly considerable interest in the issue. Certainly, such a program would be very stimulating and highly informative. How much better to let the public hear both sides and come to their own conclusions than to present them with only one side. In a Federal Communications Commission hearing a few days ago, Senator Barbara Boxer decried restricted media, vehemently asserting the value of "hue and cry, hue and cry" and healthy debate. "Palestine is Still the Issue" has been aired on satellite television by WorldLink TV. I urge you to follow their lead and show it on KQED. |
July 17, 2003 Dear Mr. Boland and Mr. Dwyer: I just heard that you have been reviewing the documentary on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict called "Palestine Is Still the Issue." I would like to say that I saw the documentary a couple of days ago and I thought that John Pilger did a great job in analyzing the issue and reflecting the views and feelings of the people involved in the conflict. I thought his interviews were great, shedding light on the frustrations on the part of the Palestinians and the Israelis alike. I think it is important that our public television stations air this kind of documentaries to inform the public of the complexity of the conflict and the facts on the ground as opposed to what the leaders of the parties say or what the media in general portray. I encourage you and other KQED program committee members to air this documentary. It will be a great service to the public. It is informative, it is factual, and also it explores the avenues and the possibility of solving this problem which is something very relevant to the current peace process. Thank you. Regards, Suley |
July 17, 2003 Mr. Scott Dwyer Program Director, KQED Dear Mr. Dwyer, The US media have for decades been a slave to the Israeli lobby groups. Please give us a break and let Americans see what the reality in the middle-east is like. Please air the program "Palestine is still the issue". Sheikh |
July 18, 2003 Dear Sirs: I understand that KQED is considering broadcasting the documentary "Palestine Is Still the Issue". This controversial documentary has been praised by England's Intependent Television Committee for the care and thoroughness of it's research. There is no better time than now to present this position to your viewers, as the discussion of possible alternatives to violence in the area intensifies. Please broadcast this documentary. Pete |
July 18, 2003 Dear Program Director: I really want to see the documentary "Palestine is Still the Issue" by John Pilger. In fact I have been looking for it and expecting it to air on public television and hoping that you would schedule it. I am a school teacher and I really rely on alternative media sources for information on important subjects. I never expect to get truthful information from the networks. Facts about Palestine are almost absent in the media. It seems that any programming on this important area of the world is presented through the lens of Zionism, a reactionary movement which most Americans, including most Jews (including me) do not support any more than the American people supported apartheid in South Africa. The Civil Rights movement in the USA certainly educated Americans about the harmfulness of racist government policies and laws (such as the Jim Crow laws) in this country and made Americans somewhat more sensitive to racist segregation policies in other parts of the world. Israel is an apartheid country even building a wall between Israelis and Arabs! Can't we see a viewpoint that criticizes and opposes these terrible policies? Public Television has done amazing work in airing such documentaries as Eyes on the Prize and Edward Said's program on Palestine a few years ago. Please continue to do what never is done on commercial stations by airing this documentary. Yours truly, Carole |
July 20, 2003 To: J. Boland and S. Dwyer: Hello! I am writing to encourage you to broadcast "Palestine Is Still the Issue" on KQED soon. It is important that our public broadcasting stations present both sides of issues,however controversial--in fact, especially when the issues are controversial. As you are probably aware, the mainstream corporate media has been unduly influenced by the Zionist lobby not to tell the Palestinian story. We hope public broadcasting stations will remedy this situation and give the American people an opportunity to learn about a crucial issue that directly affects world peace. Thank you for being fair-minded and courageous. The very fact that folks don't want this video about the suffering of the Palestinian people to be seen is reason enough to show it! Peace, C-E |
July 22, 2003 Dear Mr. Dwyer: I urge KQED to show John Pilger's film "Palestine is Still the Issue". If some consider it not balanced and too "pro Palestinian" it could be followed by a discussion and would spark tremendous interest in an issue that has affected all our lives and is the cancer which radiates illness throughout the Middle East and the world. I say open up the discussion, and not let KQED be governed by fears that it favors one side or the other. Sincerely, Tom Miller General Counsel Global Exchange |
July 23, 2003 To: J. Boland and S. Dwyer Greetings, A couple of weeks ago I wrote to both of you, asking that KQED air the documentary "Palestine Is Still the Issue." I have not received a response, so I am writing again to reiterate my support for this documentary. I recently saw the documentary for the first time and found it to offer an important perspective that is usually lacking in mainstream media. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend a screening of the documentary in San Francisco, but the vast majority of KQED's viewers do not and will never have such an opportunity. Thus, it is all the more important that KQED further its public education mission by broadcasting this important documentary. Thank you for your consideration. Seth |
July 24, 2003 To: John Boland and Scott Dwyer "I'm writing to urge you to show the outstanding documentary titled "Palestine is still the Issue" by John Pilger, an Emmy Award winning documentarian. KQED is a public station I've always been proud of as a resident of the Bay Area. Over the years I have supported KQED (both financially and otherwise) because the programs that you air are far superior to anything else on the airwaves. It is because of this that I encourage you to broadcast a documentary that is both timely and critical in these anxious times. Because of the subject matter this film is not without controversy. But more than any other documentary it has been reviewed by many and found to be without bias. The most significant finding was by the "Independent Television Commission" in England. The importance of having our public television station air a film of this magnitude may for once and for all, help introduce peace and sanity through education into a world gone mad by graphically depicting the pain, suffering and futility of the current conflict between Israel and Palestine. Again I urge you to please adhere to your public duty as a "public" television station and approve, acquire and air the documentary so that others can become enlightened as to what the reality is in present day Palestine. Thank you for your time! In Peace Mary |
July 24, 2003 To: J. Boland and S. Dwyer Both my wife and I watched the Palestine is still the issue tape recently. We think that it is important for the KQED viewers to get a balanced view of the Palestinian problem. This documentary shows a side of the Palestine - Israel problem that is unfortunately rarely seen in this country. As long term members we strongly urge you to air this documentary. Gondica and Peter |
July 17, 2003 To: J. Boland Subject: "Palestine is Still the Issue" Sir: I urge you to show this very enlightening film. It is important that the public at large see the facts on the ground regarding the occupation of Palestine. The plight of the Palestinians has continued to become more and more severe since 1948. Since American tax dollars support this oppression is only fair to let the taxpayers see what they are paying for. Thank you for your consideration. Judith |
July 24, 2003 To: S. Dwyer and J. Boland I understand you have the opportunity to air the movie "Palestine Is Still the Issue." I will consider it a great favor if you will do that. If you review you contribution records you will see I have been a contributor to KQED, although not so much since I am unemployed. Thanks for your help in this matter. David E. |
July 29, 2003 To: J. Boland and S. Dwyer Dear Mr. Boland, I am aware of the consideration you are giving to scheduling John Pilger's Palestine Is Still The Issue." I also am aware of the efforts by the Jewish Community Relations Council to prevent this documentary from being aired. A copy of their "alert" is attached. When it comes to information about the Palestine/Israel conflict in the U.S., the efforts to silence any unsympathetic portrayal of Israeli policy and actions are remarkably effective. Pilger, though, does what most other journalists fail to do. He takes Israeli politicians to task and exposes those Israelis fulfilling their country's policies of colonization. For Israel apologists, it is not a pretty picture. And for American audiences, it is a seldom seen one. The JCRC wants us to know the Israeli version of history and current events. Pilger's film does not fit that mold. Red herrings aside, why else would the JCRC and others want to silence it? Our corporate television stations cannot be relied on to present new information which challenges mainstream perceptions. Therefore, we turn to our public television stations for news and films which educate and enlighten us about our world. In most cases, PBS does an admirable job. With the Palestinian/Israeli issue, however, PBS falls prey to those who cannot tolerate much beyond the Israeli as victim/Palestinian as terrorist theme. Palestinian actions are rarely put into context while Israeli actions always have a logical excuse. The PBS Home Video catalog demonstrates the tendency to promote the Israeli experience and neglect the Palestinian Christian and Moslem experience: In "Israel: A Nation is Born" and "Heritage: Civilization and the Jews", viewers get Abba Eban and his Zionist bias; In "The 50 Years War: Israel and the Arabs" each war is predominantly recounted from the Israeli perspective; In "Arab & Jew: Return to the Promised Land" David Shipler portrays two groups who are somehow equal rather than showing how an immigrant group colonizes and occupies another; Finally, "Elie Wiesel: First Person Singular" completely ignores Wiesel's calling card, condemning crimes against humanity, when it is Israelis perpetrating those crimes on Palestinians. While I am concerned about the films PBS promotes in the catalog, my bigger concern is with the films not offered. Where is the Palestinian experience articulated by Palestinians voices? I have no doubt the support for KQED's scheduling of "Palestine Is Still The Issue" is broad based. I further have no doubt the people urging you to drop this film want us to remain uninformed about the Palestinian narrative. I urge you to listen to the diverse voices who believe Pilger's film contributes to our understanding of what is happening between Israelis and Palestinians, and dismiss those voices of intolerance who are afraid of Israel's image being tarnished. Succumbing to them would be a disservice to your listeners and would violate KQED's stated mission of being "&a vital source for quality programming and thought-provoking information." Sincerely, Basil Ayish |
August 8, 2003 To: J. Clarke, et al I'd like to know if you are planning to broadcast 'Palestine Is Still the Issue' I'll be looking forward to it. Thank you Guillermo |
August 25, 2003 To John Boland and Scott Dywer: I am a frequent KQED viewer and I want to see Palestine Is Still the Issue on KQED. It would be of utmost importance to me to see my public television station show this widely acclaimed documentary which is thought by many to be unbiased. In the sprit of democracy, please include my voice among those in favor of this terrific film. Sincerely, Larisa |
August 24, 2003 To: S. Dwyer and J. Boland In honor of my daughther's fifth birthday, I am writing to voice a plea to you. I look at my daughter (as well as her two year old brother) and think what do I REALLY want to give her so that she may explore the world and realize her true potential. The answer I continue to return to is a world with less hate, less atrocities AND more peace. I want her to climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, watch the sunset in Timbuktu and swim in the Dead Sea. I want to look at both her Jewish girlfriends and her Palestinian girlfriends and know that their families are safe and hopeful both here and abroad. To this end, KQED must air Palestine is Still the Issue to educate and spawn debate in the RIGHT venues so that peace may be attained. My daughter, and every child in our world, deserves people in your position to do the right thing by honoring my request. Anonymous |
9-27-03 From: Basil Ayish September 27, 2003 Several advocates of keeping KQED true to its mission addressed the board meeting on Wednesday, after which there was a rally and showing of "Palestine Is Still The Issue" outside. There were only a few people who showed up for the rally but I do believe their activities complemented the message we delivered inside. Naturally, more participants would have been better. Our job is not done, yet. John Boland has recently sent letters to some of you continuing to suggest that PISTI still is under consideration in one paragraph, and in another mentioning a possible combination of programs, but without material that would be "dated". The kicker is that he is talking about doing this NEXT YEAR! That should insure PISTI would be "dated". If you have not gotten a response to your letters from KQED yet, you might send a note and ask what is taking so long to make a decision. For now, I thought I would share my statement to the board with you. It lays out John Boland's duplicitous statements and rejection of public input despite all the thoughtful and sincere letters urging KQED to air PISTI. Regards, Basil Ayish |
Subject: Board Meeting Comments Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2003 11:49:25 -0700 From: Jeff Clarke, President & CEO To: Mr. Ayish, I want you to know that our Board of Directors and I heard your concerns about KQED-TV, Channel 9 programming decisions last week and I will be addressing them within KQED. I do not know what the final decision will be regarding John Pilger's documentary, Palestine Is Still The Issue. Our content folks will make a decision regarding that particular program after a thorough review has been completed. I have asked them to do so in a timely manner. Thank you for taking time to come to the KQED Board meeting and present your concerns about programming decisions within our organization. Cordially, Jeff Clarke President and CEO KQED Inc. |
Subj: Community Advisory Panel Date:10/03/2003 10:17:31 AM Pacific Daylight Time From: PEvans@KQED.org To: altencon@aol.com Sent from the Internet (Details) Mr. Shepherd Please give me your mailing address and I will send you a copy of the KQED Community Advisory Panel statement of responsibilities for clarification. I have spoken to the CAP Chair, and he has offered to pass along any written information to other CAP members. So if you wish, please email or mail me the information and I will make sure it gets to the CAP. Thanks very much. Patricia Evans VP Communications, Community & Government Relations KQED Public Broadcasting |
October 6, 2003 To: Jeff Clarke, President & CEO KQED TV Dear Mr. Clarke, Thank you for acknowledging the concerns we raised at the board meeting. I have shared your comments with several of the others who addressed the board, not knowing if you had corresponded with them individually as well. I am unable to respond appropriately at the moment but will be coordinating a follow-up to our recent board input. Until then, I appreciate your attention to our concerns and look forward to a quick resolution of them with your involvement. Sincerely, Basil Ayish |
10-17-03 Subj: Documentary Decision? To: jclarke@kqed.org, pres@kqed.org Sent from the Internet (Details) Dear President Clarke, I am writing you to request that KQED agree to air the documentary "Palestine is Still the Issue". I understand it has been under consideration by you and your staff for many months now? In keeping with your "public broadcasting" role, I would expect to see a broad spectrum of information and opinions made available by your station. Certainly, the POV programming that I'm aware of has raised and explored many such controversial subjects. I look forward to your reply and trust it will demonstrate a thoughtful approach to meeting the needs and expectations of all your community. Sincerely, David R. Fielder |
Subj:Air "Palestine Is Still The Issue" Date:10/17/2003 7:08:47 PM Pacific Daylight Time To: jwallace@kqed.org, rramirez@kqed.org, awintroub@kqed.org, dderheim@kqed.org, pevans@kqed.org, sdwyer@kqed.org, rwinefield@kqed.org, dhamilton@kqed.org, jboland@kqed.org, pres@kqed.org, jclarke@kqed.org, mberry@kqed.org, jcanales@irvine.org Sent from the Internet (Details) To Whom It May Concern @ KQED: I have been following closely KQED's subterfuge to try to sabotage the airing of John Pilger's extraordinary documentary film, "Palestine Is Still The Issue". From a distance, in Vermont, it looks like KQED is giving PBS a black eye and shortchanging its viewers. After all, Pilger is a noted, respected, award winning journalist, documentary film-maker, writer, playwright http://pilger.carlton.com/http://pilger.carlton.com/. Thus, it begs the question, "Why not air the film?" Why have you not given professional "programming" reasons for not airing the film? Why have you not answered very relevant and valid questions posed to you by proponents of "Palestine Is Still The Issue"? Why are you basing your decision not to air the documentary on politics and not programming? Why do you not respond to the community that you purportedly serve? Why do you not want to involve your own "Community Advisory Panel"? Why have you withheld information from the CAP? Why must hundreds of thousands of viewers rely on the negative bias and prejudice of only two or three people at KQED? Mr. Clarke, as President and CEO, why have you refused to accept responsibility for the decision? Finally, to all of you at KQED, are you aware of your own "Independent Initiative"? Why does KQED want to kill the messenger? Take a cue from Pilger: "It is not enough for journalists to see themselves as mere messengers without understanding the hidden agenda of the message and myths that surround it." Why, why, why? John Perry Ryan Braintree, VT |
Subj:KQED Programming Date: 10/19/2003 7:37:02 AM Pacific Daylight Time To: jcanales@irvine.org Dear Mr. Canales: I am deeply disturbed by KQED's unwillingness to program films such as "Palestine is still the issue". As our freedoms are eroded and the White House turns up its fear campaign to continue its rule, KQED should remain a beacon for open discussion and the presentation of alternative views. I hope, therefore, you will reconsider your decision to not allow such programming. Sincerely, Tom Miller, General Counsel Global Exchange |
Subj: Programming question Date: 10/20/2003 2:58:19 PM Pacific Daylight Time To: jcanales@irvine.org, mberry@kqed.org CC: jclarke@kqed.org, pres@kqed.org, jboland@kqed.org, pevans@kqed.org Sent from the Internet (Details) Dear James Canales, M. Berry, Jeff Clark, and John Boland, Many of us in your 'viewing audience' are still waiting to view "Palestine Is Still the Issue." Your refusal to explain why you haven't aired this documentary is frustrating and disappointing. Please explain to me why information is withheld from your "Community Advisory Panel" regarding programming decisions. Does KQED attend to its Community Advisory Panel only by making sure that they do not hear about or receive requests from the community for particular films? The way in which programming decisions are made is very unsettling news about the operations of our local public television station. As a community member, I would appreciate an explanation of why KQED's "Community Advisory Panel" is being kept out of the programming loop. Sincerely concerned, Tanya |
Date:10/20/2003 3:51:52 PM Pacific Daylight Time Sent from the Internet (Details) Dear Mr. Clarke: Thank you for giving us, your viewers, the opportunity to speak at the KQED Board of Directors' meeting on September 24th. While I appreciate having had that opportunity, I have been disappointed by KQED's response to our presentations. We continue to be met with signs of KQED's apparent reluctance to air "Palestine is Still the Issue." We wonder now why our material was not distributed promptly to the Community Advisory Panel as we were originally informed (within a few days of 10/8) which would have given Panel members ample time to review it before the CAP meeting on or about 11/13. We were told later on 10/8 that our material would not to be given to members until the 11/13 CAP meeting, thus further delaying the approval process. Perhaps there was a good reason for this delay but to us, who have been waiting so long, this seemed to be a needless delay. As long ago as last April and continuing up to the present time, viewers have been asking KQED to show this film. In a phone message on June 26th, Mr. Boland seemed to dismiss viewers' requests because of his "understanding" based on "second-hand" (and erroneous) information that National PBS had chosen not to show the film because it "was totally out of balance." (We contacted National PBS and were told they had never gotten the film and, of course, could not have said it was "totally out of balance.") Mr. Boland's response to viewers' requests based on his "understanding" of "second-hand" and erroneous information does not inspire confidence in KQED's programming process. Nor is confidence inspired by Mr. Dwyer's statement (when pressed about not yet approving Pilger's film) that "independent, anonymous journalists" who did not care for Pilger or his documentaries gave it negative ratings. (When the issue of bias was brought up, Mr. Dwyer corrected the impression about bias saying the journalists were "neutral." He refused to reveal the number or names of the journalists. What's happened to transparency? To be credible, don't reviewers have to attach their names to their reviews?) Also disturbing is a response to our community representative in which Mr. Dwyer said that Pilger had "manipulated" the documentary. Since Pilger - winner of, at least, 30 national and international awards - is widely acclaimed for his thorough, accurate reporting, the charge that his documentary was "manipulated " doesn't seem to be very credible. Pilger's long-time, well-known reputation for fair reporting was further corroborated by the recent report of the (British) Independent Television Commission that investigated the film, "Palestine is Still the Issue," for 3 months and praised it for its "journalistic integrity," the "care and thoroughness" with which it was researched and the "comprehensiveness and authority" of the film's sources, "not least, because of their Israeli origins". It would have been irresponsible for Mr. Dwyer to charge Pilger with manipulation without even knowing about his distinguished record. On the other hand, if Mr. Dwyer did know about Pilger and his long-time, well-known reputation for honest reporting but chose to ignore it, that raises questions about Mr. Dwyer's professional conduct. But so much for past actions. What I want to address is KQED's grave responsibility to promote free access to information about the dreadful plight of the Palestinian people. Palestinians believe they have a right to live in freedom their homeland - the land their people have lived in for many centuries. They believe their right to live freely in their homeland is an inalienable' right guaranteed by the Declaration of Human Rights, Geneva Conventions and International law. Palestinian rights were violated over 50 years ago and continue to be violated because of the refusal of the U.S. superpower to support international law. The Palestinian situation is horrendous. Scarcely a day goes by without an invasion or a barbarous attack somewhere in Palestine. Ruthless slaughter of innocents, senseless demolition of homes leaving hundreds of families trying to find shelter in the rubble, targeted assignations, destruction of vast areas of citrus orchards and ancient olive groves depriving many families of the only livelihood they've ever known, confiscation of land and water resources, closing of schools (sometimes for as long as 3 years) closing of universities, prevention of access to medical care often resulting in needless death, arrest and imprisonment without charge (an imprisonment that can be continually renewed and last for years), curfews, closures and checkpoints disrupting any semblance of normal daily life and, of course, the endless humiliation. And all this is accomplished with the help of massive amounts of U.S. financial aid and weaponry!! What is the matter with us? We are supposed to be civilized, enlightened people. Having emerged from the jungle eons ago, why has mankind not yet abandoned the law of the jungle where the strongest Neanderthal with the biggest club was able to brutalize all other creatures? It is scandalous that we continue to tolerate and even finance such savagery. For years, we have been dumbed-down, desensitized by the media. We feel the suffering of our own but are immune to the agony and anguish of others. And sadly, many of us may not even know or have forgotten that this brutal, never-ending tragedy began, not because Palestinians had anything to do with the Holocaust, but because they happened to live in a land coveted by others and they chose to defend it. It is time - indeed, well past time - for Americans to learn about all sides of this bitter conflict. It's time for you, at KQED, to rise up and honor your profound moral obligation to us, your viewers. Suppressing either side of this issue because it is unpalatable or unpopular would be a travesty. Denying your viewers access to Pilger's powerful, educational documentary despite our many requests and viewer enthusiasm for it, would be a serious betrayal of your commitment to help educate the public. The film has been shown in many countries around the world and has received vigorous endorsement. Please honor your moral obligation to address all sides of the Israeli Palestinian conflict and show Pilger's film. Do not let us down. Sincerely yours, Edith |
Subj: Palestine is Still the Issue Date: 10/20/2003 8:53:48 PM Pacific Daylight Time To: jcanales@irvine.org, jclarke@kqed.org, jboland@kqed.org, mberry@kqed.org, sdwyer@kqed.org, pevans@kqed.org, awintroub@kqed.org, rramirez@kqed.org, jwallace@kqed.org, rwinefield@kqed.org Sent from the Internet (Details) For several years I have been a supporter of KQED. I have recently received requests to renew my subscription and I would like to. However, I am concerned with supporting a station that exercises censorship over political views. I am concerned with supporting a station that refuses to air "Palestine Is Still the Issue," the important film by award winning John Pilger. If you have seen, as I have, "Palestine is Still the Issue," you will know that both sides in this terrible conflict are shown. There are interviews with Palestinians and Israelis. Pilger interviews Israelis ranging from those who have lost children in suicide bombings to Sharon's spokesman, Dore Gold. Yes, there are scenes of the terrible damage that Israel has wreaked on the Palestinians and, yes, there are interviews with Palestinians, whose voices have long been kept from the American public. How, I ask, can Americans make up their minds about this conflict if they are forbidden to see films which just might show some of Israel's actions in an unfavorable light, even as they show some of the Palestinian's actions in an unfavorable light? Or is this the reason for your seeming refusal to allow this well-made, well-documented film to be shown on KQED? KQED just doesn't want its viewers to know the truth. As a Jew with relatives in Israel and as an American, whose tax dollars are fueling this terrible conflict, I feel that your station has an obligation to show "Palestine Is Still the Issue" and to show it at a time when the Bay Area is not asleep or at work. I hope that I will be able to have reason to renew my subscription......and at a higher rate than before. Sincerely, Jan |
Subj: A word of support Date:10/23/2003 2:28:23 AM Pacific Daylight Time From: serli@emirates.net.ae To: altencon@aol.com Sent from the Internet (Details) Dear friends, I wish to add my support and offer my thanks for your tireless efforts and good work for the cause of justice and peace. Let us not let a minority dictate its will and rule our life. Salam Ali |
Subj: Palestine Is Still the Issue Date:10/23/2003 3:12:38 PM Pacific Standard Time From: Pres@KQED.org To: Altencon@aol.com, msapir@compuserve.com Sent from the Internet (Details) I am writing today in response to the recent communication we received from you about programming decisions at KQED. Every month we receive thousands of written and telephone communications from Northern Californians we serve with our public television, public radio, Internet and educational services. A portion of these emails, letters and calls include passionate, intelligent and often angry comments regarding coverage KQED provides about the ongoing crisis among Palestinians and Israelis in the Middle East. Recently a number of you have contacted us about including the documentary Palestine Is Still the Issue in our program schedule. We are getting back to you as promised with KQED's programming decision about broadcast of this documentary. Please read chief content officer John Boland's report below that outlines our decision. I can assure you that KQED staff and management are committed to bringing the people of Northern California a full perspective on the issues in the Middle East including but not limited to the matters at hand in Palestinian and Israeli communities. In keeping with our mission to educate and inform viewers, listeners and web users about issues that are important in our lives, we will continue to provide coverage of Palestinian and Israeli issues through broadcast of documentaries on television, reports on radio, delivery of information on kqed.org, and via available educational materials. We hope you will continue to watch, listen, surf and learn through your use of KQED programs and services in the Bay Area and beyond. Thank you for your interest in KQED. Jeff Clarke President & CEO, KQED Public Broadcasting |
FROM: John Boland, KQED Chief Content Officer KQED presents a wide range of coverage from a variety of sources and a diversity of viewpoints on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and other issues, always with an emphasis on quality, fairness, accuracy and service to our audiences. These range from the daily news stories by KQED reporters and NPR newsmagazines on radio to the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and NOW with Bill Moyers on TV. KQED broadcasts the BBC World Service on both radio and television. Television documentary series like FRONTLINE, Wide Angle, P.O.V., FRONTLINE World, and Independent Lens, plus radio programs like The World, the Commonwealth Club, the World Affairs Council, and Forum, regularly cover the Middle East generally and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict specifically. In addition, we present independently produced programs and special series on both radio and television that relate to the issues. As is often the case with a subject that has created deep divisions and elicited intense emotions, all sides of the conflict and all viewpoints, including those who claim to be neutral, criticize KQED's coverage. We appreciate receiving comments, complaints and suggestions from people in the communities we serve. We take these into consideration as we move forward with programming decisions. However, we also realize that we must maintain our focus on providing quality journalism that informs and educates from a variety of reliable sources, not programming in reaction to one interest group or another. Over the past several months, several groups have organized an email, telephone and letter-writing campaign to urge KQED Public Television to broadcast John Pilger's documentary, Palestine Is Still the Issue. We have also received email and phone calls urging us not to air the documentary. At the time the film was first called to our attention, rights where not available to public broadcasters in the U.S. However, during the summer rights became available and KQED received a review copy of the documentary. In addition to reviewing Palestine Is Still the Issue, KQED surveyed the availability of other independent documentaries that covered some of the same ground as Pilger, specifically life in the Palestinian society under Israeli occupation. The comments from viewers writing to us about Palestine is Still the Issue indicated a sense that this story was not being reported effectively. We decided, rather than simply reviewing Pilger's film and deciding whether or not to air it, it made sense to take a broader look at this subject area and consider more than one option. We reviewed Pilger's work and other relevant documentaries among the KQED editorial staff, both radio and television, and with journalism colleagues whose opinions we respect in the realm of international coverage and the Middle East. After careful consideration, KQED has decided not to schedule Palestine Is Still the Issue for broadcast. While we respect Mr. Pilger's intention to report stories that have not been widely reported elsewhere, we have found other content, covering the same issues, that better meets KQED's mission to best serve our audiences. KQED will continue to provide coverage of the Palestinian-Israeli crisis through television, radio and kqed.org. Included in this ongoing mix of content is broadcast of the documentary Between the Lines, a voyage into the unique world of Amira Hass, who has spent much of the last decade living in and reporting from the Palestinian communities of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The film is the story of a reporter's courageous attempt to get to the truth of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; to cut through the confusion and address the issues that must be resolved. Hass's independent reporting has earned her the enmity of both the Israeli occupation authorities and the Palestinian National Authority, and she has told the story of the occupied territories from the "inside" at great personal peril. KQED believes Between the Lines will be a valuable addition to our programming lineup and enhance our coverage of this critical international issue. We tentatively plan to broadcast Between the Lines in early January, immediately following FRONTLINE on a Thursday evening. The precise date and time will be announced when our January schedule is final. Another documentary under review for early 2004 broadcast on KQED is Primetime War II. This sequel to an acclaimed 1998 film, follows Palestinian and Israeli cameramen as they cover stories in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Primetime War II brings the role of the media in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into stark relief with an eye-opening lesson in the media machinations of war coverage. As ongoing programs are scheduled or information is made available on our other platforms regarding this sensitive internationalcrisis, KQED will issue announcements and incorporate new listings in the comprehensive program guides offered at kqed.org. We encourage you to visit the KQED web site to learn of the breadth and depth of programming available. Thank you for taking the time to contact us with your concerns, comments and suggestions. |
Subj: Palestine Is Still the Issue Date:10/24/2003 12:39:23 PM Pacific Standard Time From: To: Pres@KQED.org CC: Altencon@aol.com, msapir@compuserve.com Sent from the Internet (Details) We see through your weak arguments. Thanks for nothing. You will have no support from many of us in the future. AT Subj: Palestine Is Still the Issue Date: 10/24/2003 6:10:25 PM Pacific Standard Time To: pres@KQED.org CC: Altencon@aol.com Sent from the Internet (Details) I urge you to air "Palestine Is Still The Issue". It is very important the Americans know the truth. Thank You, Tahir |
| Subj: [videoforpeace] Re: Palestine Is Still the Issue Date: 10/29/2003 5:22:11 PM Pacific Standard Time Reply-to: videoforpeace@yahoogroups.com To: Pres@KQED.org CC:Altencon@aol.com, msapir@compuserve.com Sent from the Internet (Details) Dear Mr Clarke and Mr Boland: Thank you for copying me on your email below. However, I must inform you that I am most displeased and, actually, very upset by your decision to succumb to pressures from one small, yet very powerful special interest group. I read Mr Boland's email below very carefully, twice, looking for the reason behind the decision. In all the verbiage below, the only sentence that I could find that gave any resemblance of a 'reason' was in the 4th paragraph: "The comments from viewers writing to us about Palestine is Still the Issue indicates a sense that this story was not being reported effectively" AMAZING!! In other words, you listened to only the viewers who wrote with this particular bias!! Given that the program was never aired, these people could not really be considered 'viewers' now could they? It's obvious to all that received your lame excuse that the peopleyou make reference to are the powerful minority group that you've decided to bow to. Pray tell, what happened to all the other viewers (many KQED members) who do recognize this was reported very fairly and effectively? In the 2nd paragraph, Mr. Boland states; "..we also realize that we must maintain our focus in providing quality journalism that informs and educates from a variety of reliable sources, not programming in reaction to one interest group or another." Again, an amazing, hypocritical statement! You fail to maintain your focus in providing quality journalism when you decide not to air Palestine is Still the Issue! And, you've obviously made a programming decision because of ONE interest group, and not another. Shame on you, shame, shame, shame. You until the excellent, even handed report is aired by KQED, you can remove me from your membership call list. Heinz H. Bartesch |
Date: October 2003 From: Josh Subject: Re: Hold KQED accountable to the community Hi Nabila,
Just wanted to chime in & say that the American Jewish community is far from Homogenous, and we are (thank g-d) not all silent. Below is the letter sent to KQED from JVP. Many of us called in to Boland and Dwyer, and sent individual letters, as well. Solidarity, Josh Dear Mr. Boland: Jewish Voice for Peace is a Jewish community organization, representing over 100 members and more than 2500 supporters. As Directors of the Board, staff and members of JVP, we are writing eo encourage you to air the documentary, Palestine Is Still The Issue, directed by John Pilger. We have viewed the film, and feel it is an important, factual, and balanced work, deserving of the attention of KQED viewers and subscribers, which many of us are. Too often, Americans see only a particular view of the history of the Israel/Palestine conflict. This view regularly depicts suicide bombers and speaks of Palestinian terrorists. Rarely do we learn of the events and desperate conditions which surround the suicide bombings, and create a breeding ground for such horrific acts "Israeli targeted assassinations which kill and maim innocent bystanders (including children), closures which prevent parents from working to support their families and children from attending school, daily acquisition by Israel of Palestinian farmland and water sources, home demolitions which create homelessness, ever-expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza, humiliation at endless checkpoints, the rounding up of Palestinian men and youth for 'administrative detention' without charge or trial. These daily events characterize the Israeli occupation. Israel is entrenching this occupation through the construction of a security fence," which in actuality is a wall of concrete, steel and barbed wire which is cutting through the West Bank, separating farmers from their lands and family members from each other. Palestine Is Still The Issue" presents a balanced view of this ongoing crisis. Far from being one-sided, it includes statements from the wide variety of Israelis, from peace activists to Government officials. It is meticulously researched and is on solid factual footing. Both sides' views get a clear hearing in this film. In the morass of propaganda and vitriolic statements from both sides, it is a clear and sensible presentation of the history of the conflict and its present day effects. It has come to our attention that certain organizations are demanding that you not air Palestine Is Still The Issue, and claiming to speak, in part, for the Jewish community. As proud Jews committed to a just peace in the Middle East, we assure you that many Jews wish to see such a solid piece of journalism on this issue be aired. We urge KQED to air Palestine Is Still The Issue and commit to stand behind KQED, should you choose to do so. |
| November 9, 2003 Dear Mr Clarke I have read with great disappointment about your decision not to broadcast Pilger's documentary Palestine Is Still the Issue. As I suspected, when it comes to showing a program which challenges one's sensibilities and asks the question about how one group of people can be allowed subjugate another to group to live under inhumane conditions, KQED does not step up to the challenge, but continues to play it safe. Here is a documentary which does not skirt around issue, it would lead normal people to ask why it continues to happen, it may even lead Americans to ask why American Tax dollars are being spent to support such policies. Kindly reconsider your decision. Regards, |
| From: Office of KQED's President [mailto:Pres@KQED.org] Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2004 3:31 PM Cc: TV Subject: "Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land" on KQED TV 9 Thank you for contacting KQED with your comments regarding the recent broadcast of the documentary Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land. We have received a number of emails and letters, both favorable and critical, in regard to the broadcast of Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land, and we are sending this reply to all those who have expressed interest or concern regarding this film and our Middle East coverage generally.
Every month we receive thousands of written and telephone communications from Northern Californians we serve with our public television, public radio, Internet and educational services. Whether critical or complimentary, comments from the community are of great value to KQED and we appreciate that you use our media and took the time to share your thoughts.
A portion of the emails, letters and calls we receive include passionate, intelligent and often angry comments regarding coverage KQED provides about the ongoing crisis among Palestinians and Israelis in the Middle East. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is unique in that it has created such deep divisions and elicited such intense emotions here in the U.S., that all sides in the conflict, including those who claim to be neutral, are critical of KQED’s coverage.
This is not a situation that is unique to KQED or the Bay Area. Media organizations that attempt to provide coverage of this crisis are the focus of an ongoing critique from well organized interest groups on both sides of the issue. The only common denominator is that any coverage enrages one side or the other, and sometimes both.
According to an article published this month in the American Journalism Review (http://www.ajr.org/Article.asp?id=3683), “the two sides are engaged in an effort to shape an overarching narrative in the American media showing that they alone are the victims and that the other side is undeserving of sympathy.” It is the role of journalism to enlighten not upset people, but the article continues, “How do you mollify critics whose views are so far apart that about the only thing they agree on is that the news media are biased against them?”
We appreciate receiving comments, complaints and suggestions from people in the communities we serve. We take these into consideration as we move forward with programming decisions. However, we also realize that we must maintain our focus on providing quality journalism that informs and educates from a variety of reliable sources, not programming in reaction to one interest group or another.
KQED presents a wide range of coverage from a variety of sources and a diversity of viewpoints on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and other issues, always with an emphasis on quality, fairness, accuracy and service to our audiences. These range from the daily news stories by KQED reporters and NPR newsmagazines on radio to The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and NOW with Bill Moyers on TV. KQED broadcasts the BBC World Service on both radio and television. Television documentary series like FRONTLINE, Wide Angle, P.O.V., FRONTLINE World, and Independent Lens, plus radio programs like The World, the Commonwealth Club, the World Affairs Council, and Forum, regularly cover the Middle East generally and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict specifically. In addition, we present independently produced programs and special series on both radio and television that relate to the issues.
Over the past year, KQED programmers reviewed more than 1,000 hours of independently produced documentaries and selected 400 for broadcast on KQED Public Television. A portion of these covered to the Israel-Palestine crisis. In order to fulfill our mission to educate and inform members of the community we serve, KQED broadcasts programs that represent a broad range of perspectives, ideas and people. We believe that presenting a diversity of programming encourages debate, critical thinking, and civic participation.
In recent months, we presented three independent television documentaries examining media coverage of the Middle East and the range of pressures and influences upon coverage of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Between the Lines* is a voyage into the unique world of Amira Hass, who has spent much of the last decade living in and reporting from the Palestinian communities of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank primarily for Israeli media. Her reporting has earned her the enmity of both the Israeli occupation authorities and the Palestinian National Authority. Primetime War II*, a sequel to an acclaimed 1998 film, follows Palestinian and Israeli cameramen as they cover stories in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem and Hebron. It presents an eye-opening lesson in the media machinations of war coverage.
Most recently, as you know, KQED broadcast Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land, a unique look at the motivations and methods of those responsible for delivering information to the public, as well as the potential influence that foreign policy interests and public relations strategies can have on new reporting. While this program is in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is ultimately about challenging audiences to think twice about news that is reported from around the world.
There are also two special programs scheduled over the next few weeks.. KQED Public Radio will present the documentary Reaching for Peace in the Holy Land on Sunday, June 20 at 4 p.m., and KQED Public Television will broadcast the program “Suicide Bombers” as part of the PBS Wide Angle series on Thursday, July 1 at 9 p.m.
We appreciate and respect the rights of individuals to agree or disagree with our programming decisions, to watch and listen to KQED or not, to support KQED financially or not. In the face of constant controversy, some media organizations have chosen to scale back or nearly eliminate coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. KQED has not chosen that course. We will continue, in partnership with national and international news organizations like NPR, PBS and the BBC, to present content that fulfills KQED’s mission of providing “the people of Northern California with consistently high quality, non-commercial media that inform, educate and entertain,” and that adheres to sound journalistic principles.
And, we will continue to welcome your comments and ideas. Thank you again for writing.
John Boland Chief Content Officer KQED
NOTE: If you wish to comment or raise questions about specific content in the documentary Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land, you may contact the producers at the Media Education Foundation info@mediaed.org .. |