TNAG-1817-FCO40-2578-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 181

CONFIDENTIAL

June 1987

REPORTING PRIORITIES FOR THE BBC MONITORING SERVICE

INTRODUCTION

1.

This paper combines the requirements of the FCO and the

MOD for reporting by the BBC Monitoring Service (BBC MS). It is

set out in a format which addresses the Soviet Union and Eastern

Europe on one hand and the Rest of the World on the other. The priorities apply to radio, television and certain press and news

agency reporting. The FCO needs can in most circumstances be met through reported speech. The MOD has a greater requirement

for video material. (A guide to the type of detail, both speech

and video, required on defence and related subjects subsumed

under more general headings is in a separate annex).

2.

The highest priority is for material about events which have international implications (eg East-West relations, disarmament, the Middle East, terrorism and the situation in

Southern Africa). Other major priorities are a) in the

reporting of events which are likely to affect British, European

Community, Commonwealth or Western interests, or which may

influence attitudes towards Britain and British policies, and b) coverage of geographical areas where the BBC is the sole or major source of information. These priorities are reflected in

the Category I lists below. 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. There is general interest in the items listed as Category II. There is also a need for the rapid reporting of

major political developments in some areas not otherwise

mentioned, except the USA.

CONFIDENTIAL