BOZELL BLASTS CNN GAMBIT TO INTERVIEW BIN LADEN - Press Release - October 17, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2001

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Katie Wright (703) 683-5004, ext. 132

BOZELL BLASTS CNN GAMBIT TO INTERVIEW BIN LADEN

Raises His Own “Six Questions” To Network: How Will You Verify? Isn’t This Just Propaganda?

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Media Research Center President Brent Bozell blasted CNN today for its plan to pose “six questions” to international terrorist Osama bin Laden. He then posed his own “Six Questions For CNN” in response to the network’s outrageous gambit.

“One finds it absurd to believe that if CNN existed 60 years ago it would give an audience to Adolf Hitler or Emperor Hirohito who ordered the attack on Pearl Harbor. This is truly outrageous, it is harming the war effort and it’s a slap in the face to the American people,” Bozell said.

Six Questions For CNN

Knowing that terrorists thrive on media exposure to spread their propaganda, and that the interview was instigated by al Qaeda, why would you allow your international network to be used by a wanted terrorist and known killer?
Have you sought assurances from the government of the United States that this endeavor will not in any way jeopardize the war against terrorism or cause further loss of life?
Given that bin Laden is a liar – he first denied having anything to do with the terrorist attacks on the U.S. -- why do you think he will be honest with CNN?
Will you independently verify bin Laden's statements before you put them on the air?
If CNN had existed 60 years ago, would it have interviewed and aired comments from Emperor Hirohito, the man who ordered the attack on Pearl Harbor?
If CNN had existed 60 years ago, would it have given a forum to Adolf Hitler to explain his hatred of Jews and Christians?

For more information on the Media Research Center or to schedule an interview with a spokesperson please contact Katie Wright at (703)-683-5004, ext. 132.