A curated selection of public diplomacy-relevant news from a global cross-section of English-language media outlets, including independent, corporate-owned, and state-sponsored sources. The stories featured don't necessarily represent CPD's views nor have they been verified by CPD.
BBC’s Russian Changes Under Fire
A wide-ranging shake up of the BBC World Service's Russian operations has been criticised by high profile academics and writers, including the Nobel Prize for Literature winner Doris Lessing, who have called the plans "demented". In an open letter, the BBC is accused of caving in to Russian pressure to cut its operations in the region by axing 22 hours a week of programming and dropping long form analytical and cultural programming.
Analyst Says Barack Obama in Unique Position to Address African Issues
Analysts at home and abroad continue to comment on what an Obama presidency will mean for the United States and the world. The former head of a South African opposition political party says Barack Obama's biography could allow him to play a unique role in Africa.
Improving US Image Abroad Top Priority for President-elect Obama
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO in guvspeak), today identified public diplomacy as one of 13 top priorities for President-elect Barack Obama. This urgent call for improving America's image in the world and confronting the rise of anti-Americanism over the last five years is old news. What we urgently need now, as GAO points out, is a core of properly trained public diplomats who can communicate well in an intercultural context. And we need abundant resources in order to run the best global persuasion programs.
US BBG made statement concerning closure of international media in Azerbaijan
BBG member Steven Simmons says that the Board expresses serious protest to the Azerbaijani government in connection with the recent statement in the country about closure of international media broadcasting. “Millions of people in the region trust our high-quality news, information and analysis and we appeal the Azerbaijani government to re-consider its decision. This step is continuation of tendency of grave pressure upon private brodcasters started two years ago and exerting today direct influence on international media,” Mr. Simmons said.
GAO List of Urgent Issues for Obama and Congress to Address
The Government Accountability Office issued a list today of 13 "Urgent Issues" that require immediate attention and ongoing oversight from President-Elect Barack Obama and the 111th Congress "to ensure the nation's security and well-being." The list includes the "2010 Census" the "Transition to Digital TV" and "Public Diplomacy and International Broadcasting."
Exhibition beyond Babylon
A new exhibition hoping to showcase the history of cross-cultural art, trade and diplomacy in the ancient Near East is to open at New York's esteemed Metropolitan Museum of Art.
New York Philharmonic to be Honored with Common Ground Award in Washington DC
The New York Philharmonic, the only American orchestra to have performed in North Korea, will be the recipient of the Common Ground Award for Cultural Diplomacy. The orchestra became the largest contingent of U.S. citizens to visit that country since the Korean War when they traveled there to give a concert in February 2008. The true bridge building moment came during the final encore when the Philharmonic played the beloved Korean folk song "Arirang," which received an enthusiastic standing ovation.
UN Interfaith Dialogue to be Well Attended
King Abdullah’s interfaith debate at UN headquarters will likely become the world’s most well-attended cross-religious parley to date, with as many as 30 heads of state set to talk including George W Bush, the US president, the Saudi monarch and King Juan Carlos of Spain.
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