Propaganda

U.S. State Dept To Splurge on Persian Media

by Diane Farsetta — February 16, 2006 - 1:27pm

"Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice asked Congress yesterday to provide $75 million in emergency funding to step up pressure on the Iranian government." If granted, the request would increase to $85 million the 2006 budget "to promote political change inside Iran," up from

Main Source: 
Washington Post, February 16, 2006

The UK and US: Similar Fake News, Iraq Occupations

by Diane Farsetta — February 15, 2006 - 7:17pm

In 2002, the British government "launched a little-known television propaganda service that seems to mimic the U.S. government's deceptive approach to fake news," writes David Miller.

Main Source: 
The Guardian (UK), February 15, 2006

The Long, Protracted, Not-Going-To-Be-Over-Soon, War

by Diane Farsetta — February 13, 2006 - 1:24pm

Reporter Tim Harper notes the Bush administration's shift from "War on Terror" to "The Long War." Communications professor Christopher Simpson explains, "The War on Terror brand had gone sour." Moreover, "if it is a Long War," then expanded executive powers "will be needed not just this year, but next year and for decades." Harper writes, "Alt

Main Source: 
The Toronto Star (Canada), February 11, 2006

Lincoln Group Focuses on U.S. Media

by Diane Farsetta — January 19, 2006 - 12:12pm

Lincoln Group, the Pentagon contractor recently outed for planting stories in Iraqi newspapers, is boosting its own PR efforts. The firm hired Bill Dixon, "a veteran PR executive," as its new director of media relations. Dixon previously headed media relations for "the powerful DC-area investment ban Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group," and has also managed PR for Google and The Motley Fool.

Main Source: 
O'Dwyer's PR Daily (sub req'd), January 17, 2006

Pentagon OK's Online Propaganda

by Diane Farsetta — January 4, 2006 - 11:35am

"U.S. military websites that pay journalists to write articles and commentary supporting military activities in Europe and Africa do not violate U.S. law or Pentagon policies," concluded the Pentagon's inspector general.

Main Source: 
Los Angeles Times, December 29, 2005

Iraq Information Operations Increase

by Diane Farsetta — December 27, 2005 - 3:06pm

"The military has paid money to try to place favorable coverage on television stations in three Iraqi cities." The military gave one station "about $35,000 in equipment," is "building a new facility for $300,000," and pays $1000 to $2400 a month "for a weekly program that focuses positively on U.S. efforts." An Army National Guard commander confirmed his officers "suggest" stories for the weekly program and review it, before it is aired. The payments are not disclosed to viewers.

Main Source: 
Washington Post, December 26, 2005

'Bye to Hi,' U.S Middle East Propaganda Failure

by John Stauber — December 24, 2005 - 9:16am

"The U.S. State Department announced yesterday it was suspending publication of Hi Magazine, its glossy, monthly attempt to win the hearts and minds of young Arabs, part of a communications troika it established following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. ... The magazine had been derided by commentators in the Arab world as 'schlock'' or 'brainwashing'' and one had dubbed it the CIA's official publication.

Main Source: 
Toronto Star, December 23, 2005
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