IN CONFIDENCE
REPORTING PRIORITIES FOR THE BBC MONITORING SERVICE
(REVISED NOVEMBER 1989)
SUMMARY
1. This paper combines the requirements of the FCO, MOD and Cabinet Office for reporting by the BBC Monitoring Service (BBC MS). It is set out in two parts; Soviet Union & Eastern Europe, and the Rest of the World, together with Annexes on economic and defence- related subjects and on the MOD's video requirement.
2.
The priorities apply to radio, television and certain press and news agency reporting. At the Liaison Meeting of 25 August 1988 the FCO/MOD/Cabinet Office priorities as between sources for monitored material were summarised as; i) monitoring broadcasts; ii) monitoring Pressfax off-air (useful where there is a significant time advantage; iii) monitoring local press. The FCO needs can in most cases be met through transcripts. The MOD has a greater requirement for video material.
3.
4.
The highest priority is:
material about events which have international implications (eg domestic political developments, East-West relations, disarmament, the Middle East, terrorism and the situation in Southern Africa).
Other major priorities are:
a) the reporting of events which are likely to affect British, European Community, Commonwealth or Western interests, or which may influence attitudes towards Britain or British policies;
b) coverage of geographical areas where the BBC MS is the sole or major source of information.
The priorities are split into two categories:
Category I:
On these issues there is a particular need for the rapid reporting of statements, meetings and decisions which describe new developments and proposals for policy changes.
IN CONFIDENCE