
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 25, 1990                   TAG: 9003262164
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: F2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

TED TURNER

GEORGE ORWELL invented the term "newspeak" in his novel "1984" to describe the lies and distortions that governments use to influence public opinion. He knew how important words can be; how they shape thoughts and emotions.

Cable magnate Ted Turner understands that, too, and he has given Orwell's idea a new spin. He has banned the use of the word "foreign" on his Cable News Network where "international" could be used in its place. "The word `foreign' implies something unfamiliar and creates the perception of misunderstanding," he wrote in a memo. "In contrast, `international' means `among nations' and promotes a sense of unity."

The change in terminology certainly makes sense stylistically. CNN is broadcast in about 90 countries; "Foreign trade" means different things in Tokyo and Texas.

For Turner, the change also makes sense philosophically. His embrace of pan-national causes is well-known. In 1985, he founded the Goodwill Games with the Soviet Union. Earlier this year, he announced "The Turner Tomorrow Award," which will give $500,000 to the author of an unpublished work of fiction "set in the near future with themes ensuring the survival and prosperity of all life on our planet . . . These awards are designed to encourage writing by authors throughout the world and in all languages that creates positive solutions to global problems."

That's certainly an ambitious, worthy goal with a prize that will motivate any young novelist. Turner is stricter with his own staff, though. At CNN, first offenders who use "foreign" in writing, in conversation or on the air will receive a warning. After that, fines of up to $100 may be levied for each offense. Big Brother Ted is watching.

Even those who agree with these "international" goals might wonder if Turner's means justify his ends. After all, Orwell also said, "Political language - and with variations this is true of all political parties, from Conservatives to Anarchists - is designed to make lies sound truthful, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind."

by CNB