BBC
to debate the issues of war
BBC
News announces an unprecedented campaign of public information about
the question of war with Iraq, culminating with a public debate
in prime time on BBC ONE.
A range
of special programmes will run across all BBC networks featuring
public seminars involving the BBC's top experts, a special interrogation
of the Prime Minister by Jeremy Paxman and a series of special documentaries.
The
BBC 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.
BBC
ONE and the BBC'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 BBC 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
BBC 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 BBC TWO on Thursday 6 February at 9.00pm.
BBC
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 BBC 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 BBC's digital channels include Holidays
In Axis Of Evil, BBC 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.
BBC
FOUR will also present a documentary on the history of Iraq. A BBC
Northern Ireland production for the channel, the programme will
cover the region from earliest civilisation, through to the reign
of Saddam Hussein.
While
on BBC THERE, The News Show will keep viewers informed
of all the latest developments from all fronts.
On
BBC 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 BBC's Director of News, said: "The BBC 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 BBC 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, BBC FOUR and News 24, the
BBC's daily news coverage on television, radio and online will broadcast
live throughout the day from Iraq Day - The Conference.
BBC
reporters and presenters will chair the sessions which will debate
all the different sides of the arguments for and against war, and
the consequences.
BBC
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 BBC News Online website
- www.bbc.co.uk/iraq
- and via digital interactive television.
All the
BBC's digital services are now available on Freeview,
the new free-to-view digital terrestrial television service, as well
as on satellite and cable.
Freeview
offers the BBC's eight television channels, as well as six BBC radio
networks.
The
soon to launch BBC THREE will become available as it goes on air.
|
