31 May 2006
The First Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Adel Al Muawda, yesterday claimed that the aid given by the American Middle East Media Supporting Fund to the Bahrain Radio and Television Cooperation (BRTC) to conduct a study was part of the US plan to control Arab TV stations. The study by International Television Network (CHUM) has highlighted development needs of the BRTC's TV and radio stations.
Al Muawda sought to know from the Minister of Information, Dr Mohammed Abdulghaffar, reasons for selecting the company and alleged that the company had a channel that promoted sex.
The deputy claimed that the company had recommended the recruitment of non-Bahraini executive and operations managers at the BRTC. He also alleged that the government had spent about $2 million on the study. Describing the allegations as baseless and inaccurate, Dr Abdulghaffar said the fund had been offering aid to all Arab countries. "Why Bahrain should reject such help?"
Dr Abdulghaffar said: "The study is an ordinary matter and I don't know why Al Muawda has involved the US in it. The study aims to develop the BRTC. It has been conducted at much less than the amount claimed by the deputy. Even if the study cost that much, we have paid nothing." He also denied Al Muawda's claim that the study had recommended the recruitment of non-Bahraini executive and operations managers and said rules stipulated that both the posts should be filled by locals.
The First Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Adel Al Muawda, yesterday claimed that the aid given by the American Middle East Media Supporting Fund to the Bahrain Radio and Television Cooperation (BRTC) to conduct a study was part of the US plan to control Arab TV stations. The study by International Television Network (CHUM) has highlighted development needs of the BRTC's TV and radio stations.
Al Muawda sought to know from the Minister of Information, Dr Mohammed Abdulghaffar, reasons for selecting the company and alleged that the company had a channel that promoted sex.
The deputy claimed that the company had recommended the recruitment of non-Bahraini executive and operations managers at the BRTC. He also alleged that the government had spent about $2 million on the study. Describing the allegations as baseless and inaccurate, Dr Abdulghaffar said the fund had been offering aid to all Arab countries. "Why Bahrain should reject such help?"
Dr Abdulghaffar said: "The study is an ordinary matter and I don't know why Al Muawda has involved the US in it. The study aims to develop the BRTC. It has been conducted at much less than the amount claimed by the deputy. Even if the study cost that much, we have paid nothing." He also denied Al Muawda's claim that the study had recommended the recruitment of non-Bahraini executive and operations managers and said rules stipulated that both the posts should be filled by locals.
© Bahrain Tribune 2006
