Russia's Old Television News
Date: 19 February 2004
Editorial deplores loss of independent television news in Russia, where networks now all strive to please Pres Vladimir Putin; notes other news outlets offer more skepticism, robust debate and independence, but have far smaller audiences than television; questions whether Putin will try to silence even these critics
Full Article
Washington's Arabic TV Effort Gets Mixed Reviews
Date: 20 February 2004
By Neil MacFarquhar
Neil MacFarquhar
Al Hurra, American-sponsored satellite television station broadcasting in Arabic, draws mixed reviews in Middle East after less than a week of operation; viewers find some appeal in mix of news and pop culture, but many remain wary of underlying political message; station is pilloried in Arab press as propaganda arm of US government, trying to gloss over America's anti-Arab bias, particularly with regard to Israel; photos (M)
Full Article
A City Combs Madam's 'Black Book' for the Names It Knows
Date: 19 February 2004
By James Dao
James Dao
News media in Frederick, Maryland, and prehaps some angry wives, wait for look at 'black book,' videotapes and other records of Angelika Potter's Corporate Affair escort service; city ends lawsuit by releasing evidence from seven-month probe of Potter's once-thriving prostitution business; release spurs speculation about prominent names that may be on her lists; photo (M)
Full Article
Sensing The Aroma Of a Primary That Matters
Date: 20 February 2004
By Jennifer Steinhauer
Jennifer Steinhauer
Many New Yorkers are excited about prospect of first hotly contested Democratic presidential primary in 16 years; rapidly changing fortunes of candidates vying in March 2 primary spurs conversations and leads others to listen to talk radio, watch Web sites and cable television and read newspapers; some hard-core political junkies are even gambling on results; photo (M)
Full Article
Impeachment Panel in Rowland Case Starts Strategy Talks
Date: 20 February 2004
By Robert F. Worth
Robert Worth
Connecticut legislative committee considering whether to pursue impeachment of Gov John J Rowland discusses strategies for first time, names subjects for investigation and plans to issue subpoenas; meeting is held behind closed door, prompting several newspapers to file Freedom of Information complaints; committee expects many open hearings in future (M)
Full Article
Bush Promotes His Tax Cuts As Beneficiaries Stand By
Date: 20 February 2004
By Elisabeth Bumiller
Elisabeth Bumiller
Pres Bush promotes his tax cuts at hastily arranged 'conversation' on the economy with tax-cut recipients selected by aides; meeting is closed to journalists; Bush speaks later with recipients standing behind him; photo; charges Democrats would raise taxes (S)
Full Article
Three States That the Democratic Race Forgot
Date: 20 February 2004
By Rick Lyman
Rick Lyman
Political Bermuda Triangle has opened in heart of presidential primary season as Utah, Idaho and Hawaii prepare to cast ballots with nary a mention from remaining Democratic candidates or television pundits, and no political ads; photos; not many delegates are at stake and none of three are likely to become battleground in general election campaign (M)
Full Article
CHIEF OF KING PHARMACEUTICALS TO RETIRE
Date: 20 February 2004
By Bloomberg News
Bloomberg News
King Pharmaceuticals says Jefferson J Gregory will retire as chief executive but will remain chairman; also says it will owe additional money for failing to pay rebates to Medicaid; King faces probes by Securities and Exchange Commission and Health and Human Services Department after saying in July that it owed Medicaid and other government health programs about $46.5 million in unpaid drug rebates; internal audit finds another $18.9 million is due (S)
Full Article
ONESOURCE TO BE ACQUIRED BY PRIVATE INVESTMENT GROUP
Date: 19 February 2004
By Bloomberg News
Bloomberg News
OneSource Information Services Inc agrees to be acquired for about $65.1 million by investment firm ValueAct Capital Partners and its affiliates, which want to take OneSource private (S)
Full Article
INTERNATIONAL STEEL TO BUY WEIRTON STEEL
Date: 19 February 2004
By Bloomberg News
Bloomberg News
International Steel Group, formed by financier Wilbur Ross, agrees to buy Weirton Steel Corp for $255 million in cash and assumed debt; Weirton is in bankruptcy (S)
Full Article