CNN not to play Osama tapes live

Published October 11, 2001

WASHINGTON, Oct 10: The Cable News Network (CNN) said on Wednesday it would no longer go live with broadcasts of pre-recorded messages from Osama bin Laden or his aides.

“CNN will not air statements from al-Qaeda live and will review them first before deciding how to handle them,” the news channel said in a statement.

“CNN’s policy is to avoid airing any material that we believe would directly facilitate any terrorist acts,” it said.

“In deciding what to air, CNN will consider guidance from appropriate authorities.”

Twice in two days US cable news channels have broadcast live satellite feeds of statements from Osama and his spokesman from the Al Jazeera television network.—AFP

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