TNAG-2789-FCO40-4028-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1993 — Page 62

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REPORTING PRIORITIES FOR BBC MONITORING

(June 1992)

INTRODUCTION

1.

This paper combines the requirements of the FCO, MOD and Cabinet Office for reporting by BBC Monitoring (BBC M). It is set out in two parts; FSU States & 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. The FCO/MOD/Cabinet Office priorities as between sources for monitored material are summarised as: i) monitoring broadcasts incorporating agency transmissions; and ii) monitoring Press fax off-air (useful where there is a significant time advantage; also iii) monitoring local press (only if resources available at the margin or in exceptional circumstances). The FCO needs can in most cases be met through transcripts. The MOD has the greater requirement for video material.

3. The highest priority is:

material about events which have international implications (eg domestic political developments,

the break-up of the former Soviet Union and former Yugoslavia, disarmament, the Middle East, terrorism and the situation in Southern Africa).

Other major priorities are:

4.

(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 BBC M 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.

Category II: there is a general interest in items in this

category, but items in Category I should

normally take precedence.

BBC AAA

IN CONFIDENCE