October 30, 2009

BBC WORLD NEWS AMERICA PRESENTS SPECIAL REPORTS ONE YEAR ON FROM THE ELECTION OF BARACK OBAMA

One year on from the historic election of Barack Obama, BBC World News America examines how the administration is being perceived at home and abroad.  Three special reports, How Much Change? air from Monday, November 2 – Wednesday, November 4.

Nowhere did Obama’s campaign message of hope and unity resonate more strongly than the Middle East where successive U.S. presidents tried and failed to find a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.  Natalia Antelava visits Beirut, a city which reflects the complex realities of the region, and asks local people and experts what they feel the new administration has achieved – if anything – one year on from the election.

Airs Monday, November 2.

During the election Culpepper, Virginia was BBC World News America’s bellweather on how ordinary folks felt about the major issues being fought over.  Matt Frei returns to the small town to ask its inhabitants how, in light of the major challenges faced by the administration on the economy and the war in Afghanistan, the promise of Obama has lived up to the reality.

Airs Tuesday, November 3.

Washington Correspondent Katty Kay assesses the state of the political parties one year on from the election and looks ahead to the battle for Congress in the 2010 mid-term elections.  She travels to the swing state of Florida where Republican Governor Charlie Crist is battling for the Senate against a challenger from the right, Marco Rubio.  Katty interviews Rubio and meets grass roots activists angry at what they see as the growth of big government under the new administration.  Will a shift to the right help the Republicans win seats in 2010 or will the broad coalition that backed Obama during the election stay loyal?

BBC World News America also assesses the impact the results of two gubernatorial elections (Virginia and New Jersey) will have on the parties and president.

Airs Wednesday, November 4.

BBC World News America airs weeknights at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT on BBC AMERICA and BBC World News