Plan to redo news system up for vote in UNESCO

October 27, 1980

A UNESCO conference committee has approved a resolution aimed at reshaping the way the world's news is reported, but did not vote on it. The resolution now goes to a plenary session for final approval. Many third-world delegates welcome the resolution as a move toward giving developing countries more say in getting their news and views across to the rest of the world. Many Western countries fear that it could sanction government control of press, radio, and television and endanger hard-won journalistic freedoms.

Meanwhile, it was expected that American delegates would boycott welcoming ceremonies Monday for, and an address by, Palestinian commando leader Yasser Arafat to avoid having to listen to his expected attacks on Israel.