Pimping for the Mullah’s Every Night and Day

What do the BBC & CNN have in common with Iran? According to India's Sify News, the Mullah’s are in the process of negotiating a deal with both international networks to promote tourism in Iran. If this deal gets signed it will guarantee that Fox News Network will remain number one on my dial.

Iran, which long castigated the United States as the "Great Satan", is to promote its tourist potential on America's CNN television station and Britain's BBC, the country's vice-president for tourism Hossein Marachi has revealed to AFP.

Tense relations between Tehran and Washington will not stop Iran from exploiting its attractions on the US cable network, said Marachi, who insists US sanctions preventing American companies from trading with Iran "will not apply in this instance".

Both BBC and CNN campaigns should start within two months under a one-year contract, the value of which Marachi did not disclose. Kevin Young, acting head of public relations for BBC World, said: "There have been long discussions about this and we're optimistic the campaign will be launched but it's not been finalised yet."

He added that no actual starting date had been decided and the ads would only be shown on the state-funded broadcaster's semi-commercial BBC World. "We would be looking at what we call a spot campaign, which is a straightforward commercial campaign for 30- or 60-second adverts that would appear for a period of six months." Spokesman Nigel Pritchard for CNN international in Atlanta said only: "We can't comment on commercial deals unless they are in place. There is no deal in place."

Marachi said Iran would provide footage for the slots. "They will show Iranian tourist sites. "You'll not see Friday prayers," he added with a smile. Tehran's aim is not to persuade Americans to visit the country, but to have an impact on the two networks' worldwide audiences so Iran can develop an industry, largely neglected given its potential.

Read the rest here. Once I got over the awe and gall factor of this venture I realized what will the Mullah's actually show or promote? The joys of family jihad? Come to Iran and get veiled in 100 plus heat? The benefits of temperary wives? After all, this is a regime that is trying to regulate women's underwear in the marketplace. What the Mullah's won't be showing is mug shots of Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kemzi in their commericals. Then I got to thinking what theme song will the Mullah's use? Certainly, no Bob "Stand Up for Your Rights" Marley & the Wailers - that's for sure.

(tipped off by Little Green Footballs)