reload | previous question | next question

(Rank: Juniorprofessor)

Is it appropriate for the BBC to "smuggle out" video reports from another country, obviously, without the consent of that country's government?

Is there a line that should be drawn when reporting what is happening in a foreign country when it could have an adverse effect on diplomatic channels? Some countries are, naturally, suspicious of western intervention so should our press be able to gather news at all costs?

supporters so far (last 10):

[Close window]

helpful

credits: 100

Asked in news, foreign affairs, reporting asked on: 05/26/2008 11:27pm

closed on: 06/02/2008 11:27pm

5 Answers

rasputin1309

Rank: Max Planck (9,856) | news (33)

9 hours after the question was opened (05/27/2008 07:40am)

Yes

Question owner's rating:

helpful

Rated as good answer by:

supporters so far (last 10):

Number of comments:

Rank: Professor (5,063) | news (5)

10 hours after the question was opened (05/27/2008 08:51am)

If there's nothing going on which is worthy of reporting, then the government would have no problems with reporters being there.

It is precisely when governments try to clamp down on foreign reporters that the news is most justified.

Question owner's rating:

helpful

Rated as good answer by:

supporters so far (last 10):

Number of comments:

Rank: Albert Einstein (17,863) | news (18)

10 hours after the question was opened (05/27/2008 08:58am)

The world has the right to know what is happening behind the iron curtains in countries ruled by dictators.

Question owner's rating:

helpful

Rated as good answer by:

supporters so far (last 10):

Number of comments:

Rank: Student (244)

12 hours after the question was opened (05/27/2008 10:59am)

Certainly, The world must be informed of any barbaric or inhumane activities prevalent in other countries at all times.

Question owner's rating:

helpful

Rated as good answer by:

supporters so far (last 10):

Number of comments:

Rank: Albert Einstein (19,374) | news (7)

16 hours after the question was opened (05/27/2008 02:41pm)

Unfortunately, politicians and governments lie, or at least want to promulgate a version of the truth, as they want it to be.

Usually foreign news correspondents are banned from a country, when it's citizens can no longer be intimidated to 'speak through a flower' (not publicly criticise the government). This frequently accompanies widespread and overt Human Rights abuses. It is then, that these people's voices need to be heard and must be heard. The truth must never be allowed to be hidden and those with the courage to proclaim it gagged. Anything that aids this, is IMO fully justified.

The liberty of every person on this planet, depends on our willingness to say what needs to be heard. For when governments only wish to hear, what they want to hear and ignore what they need to hear, then we are all in trouble.

Question owner's rating:

Top

Rated as good answer by:

supporters so far (last 10):

[Close window]

Rate as good answer

Number of comments:

Add your opinion

This question has already been closed. You can write a different opinion to an answer or a comment to this thread.

reload

Comments

Forgot password?

Register

Question details

Is it appropriate for the BBC to "smuggle out" video reports from another country, obviously, without the consent of that country's government?

5 Answers