Public debate, news analysis and panel discussions of these programs, especially on NewTV, are appropriate. Furthermore, the insecurity and fear that underlies the opponents' objections is quite understandable, but there are overriding needs for all of us to gain a better understanding of news programs that emanate from the middle east and are seen by 280 million people in that part of the world. It is important for viewers to be able to evaluate the factors that have created the rage and reactions against the U.S. and Israel.

The material on Mosaic is varied, just as the countries covered are varied. Even excluding Israel and Iran, Arab countries are not monolithic, although many of the countries (including Israel) have state-controlled TV. The news coverage of most of the segments is similar to what is shown on American network TV, but it has a perspective characteristic of the broadcasting country and the kind of news to which it has access. For example, eyewitness interviews in Iraq tend to be more representative and accurate because they are conducted by non-threatening reporters without requiring interpreters. Indeed, some of the material could be considered anti-American or anti-Israel, but it is representative of their views.

A residual question arising from this controversy is: how has a campaign to suppress free speech and authentic news reports from other countries gained such a foothold in a community that has considered itself liberal and open-minded?