Analysis:

In this news story, WZZM 13 fails to give anything other than the barest of essentials to the events concerning the creation of the new Iraqi government. No Iraqi voices are heard in this piece, and the only reason given for the lack of reported progress in forming a government is "finding a role for Sunnis in the leadership." No information as to the relationship between Sunni and Shia in Iraq that would allow the viewer to understand why this issue is a stumbling block is given. Also reported but not explained is that the meetings were closed at a certain point to the media. The only voice presented in the story is a two sentence quote from President Bush. Bush states that Iraq suffered under dictatorship for three decades. The fact that for the first two decades of this dictatorship, Iraq and the U.S. were allies is not mentioned.

Story:

News reader – The new government in Iraq is still on shaky ground tonight. During its second session today, members of the Iraqi National Assembly could not decide who would serve as their speaker. Eventually they closed the session to the media. Iraq lawmakers blame the lack of progress on finding a role for Sunnis in the leadership. Meanwhile no president has been elected, cabinet posts are not yet filled, and no one has started working on a constitution. President Bush is hailing the efforts at democracy despite the setbacks.

Bush – Forming their new government the Iraqis have shown that the spirit of compromise has survived more than three decades of dictatorship. They will need that spirit in the weeks and months ahead as they continue the hard work of building their Democracy.

News reader – the Iraqi National Assembly reconvenes this weekend.

Total time: 56 seconds