Q: Do American taxpayers fund an Arabic-language news organization named Alhurra TV? If so, why? Do taxpayers fund any other foreign language TV news organizations?
—Sarah Jackson, Big Canoe
A: The Broadcasting Board of Governors, a U.S. government agency, funds Alhurra TV, which broadcasts to the Middle East. Alhurra TV gained prominence last week when its cameras recorded a car chase that started near the White House and ended near the U.S. Capitol. The Arabic-language network has been mostly unknown to people in the U.S. because it's not available in this country, except through its website (Alhurra.com). An Alhurra TV cameraman happened to be "in the right place at the right time to capture extraordinary and exclusive footage of a major news event (that) took place in the U.S. and needs explaining to people elsewhere in the world," a spokeswoman told ABCNews.com. The Broadcasting Board of Governors also operates Voice of America, Radio Sawa, Radio Farda (Persian language), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia and Radio Marti/TV Marti, which are broadcast to Cuba.
Q: From whom and when did the familiar postal service slogan originate?
—Lance DeLoach, Thomaston
A: The U.S. Post Office doesn't have an official motto, according to its website. The phrase "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds" is attached to the USPS because it's inscribed on the façade of the James A. Farley Post Office building in New York. Greek historian Herodotus originally wrote that phrase to describe the swiftness of Persian messengers during wars with Greece around 480-490 B.C.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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