Then join 29 international media companies, including the UKs BBC World Service and Independent Television News in competing for control of Iraq Media Network. In spite of wartime devastation, IMN is still reckoned to be worth over $100 million.
Up for new ownership is the whole package used by Saddam Hussein for nationwide propaganda – 18 television stations, the government radio station, and the national newspaper Al-Sabbah, with a circulation of 60,000.
The BBC bid is via the World Service Trust, which aims to set up media projects in countries torn apart by war. ITN is interested in taking over part of the network.
The Coalition Provisional Authority wants to turn the network into a world class radio and television and broadcasting authority and newspaper publisher.