PMWATCH -- August 2, 2002 -- The latest update on how the Philadelphia Inquirer's front page is covering the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is now up at: http://www.pmwatch.org/pmw/reports/pi/frontpage/frontpage.html

Here are the key findings:

Since March 28, 2002, the Philadelphia Inquirer published 13 above the fold pictures depicting the Israeli human toll of Palestinian attacks on Israelis, while during that same period, it published only 1 above the fold picture depicting the Palestinian human toll of Israeli attacks on Palestinians.

The 13 pictures depicting Israeli suffering occupied 87.61% of all above the fold pictures on the conflict depicting human suffering after attacks; Palestinian suffering occupied only 12.39%.

We've tried open and frank dialog with the Inquirer's Ombudsman, Lillian Swanson (215-854-2206), and the Foreign Desk editor, Ned Warwick (215-854-2467)-- but clearly, to no avail. (A meeting was held with them on July 11, 2002, where we complained about what was then a 9-to-1 ratio. A story from the Philadelphia Inquirer mentioning our meeting can be found at: http://www.pmwatch.org/pmw/manager/features/display_message.asp?mid=529 .)

But instead of rectifying this imbalance -- especially after the Gaza bombing, which elicited from the Inquirer one small picture below the fold showing a Palestinian man carrying a dead child and below it a mug shot of the killed Hamas leader -- they have decided to continue with their usual policy.

Hence, we need to bring this, as loudly as possible, to the attention of the Inquirer's editor in chief. The brainwashing of the American people must stop. The portrayal of the conflict as one where the Israelis are the only victims must stop.

Please consider giving a call to the chief editor, Walker Lundy, at: (215) 854 - 2765 and ask him if he is going to address this blatant lopsided aspect of their coverage.