I want my news HAMAS-free

LGF shows us an AP report about this "HAMAS cameraman" killed by Israeli troops. Kol hakavod to Tzahal (IDF).

Here's the money quote:

The governing Hamas movement often films its battles and operations against the Israeli Army, later ... releasing it to other media outlets.

Like what media outlet, for instance? Are we getting HAMAS footage on the nightly news? If so, I don't want it. I don't want to have anything to do with it. And moreover, isn't it a crime to do business with terrorists? Hullo?

Do us a favor, and contact the Associated Press to demand full disclosure of exactly which "media outlets" are known to enage in business with HAMAS, and which "media outlets" have shown footage taken and supplied by HAMAS. I wanna know Who What When Where Why... don't you?

The Associated Press provides news, photos, graphics, audio and video for 5,000 radio and television stations and 1,700 newspapers in 121 countries overseas. There are 242 total bureaus worldwide.

Associated Press 50 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10020

Phone: 212-621-1500
Fax: 212-621-7520
E-mail: info@ap.org or feedback@ap.org

President & CEO, Thomas Curley

International Desk
Phone: 212-621-1750

To the Associated Press:

I understand from this AP report ... http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/11/24/business/briefs.php that

"The governing Hamas movement often films its battles and operations against the Israeli Army, later broadcasting the footage on its television station and releasing it to other media outlets."

If the AP knows that HAMAS releases video to "other media outlets," then certainly the writer knows which "other media outlets" that would be. As an AP news consumer, I demand full disclosure. I believe I have the right to know if I am watching HAMAS footage, and I believe you have the obligation - both ethical and professional - to disclose any information you have in this regard.

I have never seen video or photos in mainstream American media attributed to HAMAS, so I wonder if this isn't because the source was not disclosed in an effort to obfuscate the fact that it came from a terrorist organization. How are we to know?

I trust you will give this matter your immediate attention, and look forward to your reply.

Anne Lieberman