NOTE TO STUDENTS:  Before answering the questions, read the information under "Background" below.

1.  What is the AP?

2.  Where is the AP's new North Korean bureau located? Be specific.

3.  What presence did the AP have in North Korea prior to the opening of its official news bureau?

4.  Who will staff the AP bureau in Pyongyang?

5.  Today's news article about the AP's new bureau in North Korea is written by an AP reporter.  There is no real explanation of the lack of freedom in North Korea.
What do you know about freedom and human rights in North Korea?  What do you know about press freedom in North Korea?

6.  The AP's mission states in part:  "News bearing the AP logotype is expected to be accurate, balanced and informed."  AP head Tom Curley said the Pyongyang bureau will operate under the same standards and practices as AP bureaus worldwide.  "Everyone at The Associated Press takes his or her responsibilities of a free and fair press with utmost seriousness," he said. "We pledge to do our best to reflect accurately the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea as well as what they do and say."
The mission and words of the AP appear sincere.  Do you think they will be able to fulfill their mission and promises on reporting from North Korea?  Why or why not?

7.  a) Is there freedom of the press in North Korea?
b)  Why might the North Korean government give an American news company free access to newsworthy events in North Korea (which will be broadcast around the world), when North Koreans' only knowledge of what goes on in their own country is what the North Korean government permits them to know? (North Koreans will not have access to AP news reports from North Korea.)
c)  How would you describe the AP's claim that they will report accurately, fairly, and informatively from North Korea:  naive, foolish, idealistic, truthful, inspiring, accurate, etc.?  Explain your answer.