ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½
to debate the issues of war
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½
News announces an unprecedented campaign of public information about
the question of war with Iraq, culminating with a public debate
in prime time on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ ONE.
A range
of special programmes will run across all ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ networks featuring
public seminars involving the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s top experts, a special interrogation
of the Prime Minister by Jeremy Paxman and a series of special documentaries.
The
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ will ensure that all viewers and listeners have the chance to
fully understand the issues facing the country over the question
of war with Iraq.
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½
ONE and the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s interactive services will combine to offer viewers
and listeners the largest forum for public debate on the war.
Iraq:
Britain Decides, a 90 minute debate on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ ONE on 12 February
chaired by David Dimbleby, will examine the reasoning, concerns
and repercussions behind a war in the Middle East.
An
invited panel of guests will debate the ongoing views, and viewers
will have the opportunity to air their thoughts.
The
programme will also feature the highlights of a specially arranged
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ conference, a get-together of interested parties who will discuss
the wide range of opinion regarding war and its consequences.
Joining
David Dimbleby will be Peter Snow, who will examine the facts and
figures involved if the decision is taken to send the troops into
Iraq, and gauge the mood of the nation with a viewers poll.
Jeremy
Paxman will tackle the Prime Minister on the case for British involvement
in military action against Iraq in Blair on Iraq - A Newsnight
Special on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ TWO on Thursday 6 February at 9.00pm.
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½
ONE's Panorama will offer an incisive guide to the intricacies of
a possible war, when acclaimed correspondents Andrew Marr, John
Simpson and Matt Frei get behind the rhetoric and address viewers'
concerns in an interactive special - Panorama: Tackling
Saddam on Sunday 2 February at 10.15pm.
The
series will also follow the crucial work of the United Nations'
weapons inspectorate as reporter Jane Corbin hears from both sides
of this explosive game of hide and seek in Panorama: Chasing
Saddam's Weapons on Sunday 9 February at 10.15pm.
Rod
Liddle takes a wry look at the alternatives available to the allied
troops in overthrowing the Iraqi dictator in Seven Ways
To Topple Saddam on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ TWO this Sunday 26 January and
Ed Stourton presents To The Brink, which tracks
the story behind the events that have led to the impending turning
point in the region.
In
contrast, architectural historian Dan Cruickshank brings viewers
a glimpse of the Iraqi history and culture following his recent
travels throughout the country, in Dan Cruickshank and The
Lost Cities Of Iraq on Sunday 2 February at 9.00pm.
Related
programmes on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s digital channels include Holidays
In Axis Of Evil, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ FOUR at 9.00pm on 27 and 29 January,
which sees reporter Ben Anderson 'holiday' in Iraq, Iran, North
Korea, Syria, Libya and Cuba - the countries labelled the "axis
of evil" by George W Bush.
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½
FOUR will also present a documentary on the history of Iraq. A ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½
Northern Ireland production for the channel, the programme will
cover the region from earliest civilisation, through to the reign
of Saddam Hussein.
While
on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ THERE, The News Show will keep viewers informed
of all the latest developments from all fronts.
On
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Four, Allan Little draws on interviews from those who
have worked within the Hussein command to paint a picture of the
man and his regime in The Making of Saddam on Monday
27 January at 8.00pm.
Richard Sambrook,
the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s Director of News, said: "The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ is unique in its
ability to bring together a range of programmes using its expertise
from across the globe to interpret the politics and examine the
personalities involved. We will tackle the politicians and in the
best traditions of public service broadcasting, give the audiences
the platform to air their views."
Lorraine
Heggessey, Controller ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ ONE, said: "This is a subject of
national importance. We have dedicated 90 minutes of our prime time
to schedule a live programme to ensure that viewers hear all sides
of the argument and allow them to take part in the debate."
From
Radio One's Newsbeat to Radio Five Live, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ FOUR and News 24, the
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s daily news coverage on television, radio and online will broadcast
live throughout the day from Iraq Day - The Conference.
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½
reporters and presenters will chair the sessions which will debate
all the different sides of the arguments for and against war, and
the consequences.
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½
News Interactive will also provide live streams from all the sessions
as well as continuing to provide the most comprehensive coverage
of the crisis, on the internet, at its special ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ News Online website
-
- and via digital interactive television.
All the
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s digital services are now available on ,
the new free-to-view digital terrestrial television service, as well
as on satellite and cable.
Freeview
offers the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s eight television channels, as well as six ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ radio
networks.
The
soon to launch ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ THREE will become available as it goes on air.
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