(2004-06-03) — Influential Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani today gave tacit approval to the new Iraqi interim government, and MSNBC’s fall lineup of news programming.
While the revered Grand Ayatollah’s statement stopped short of a full endorsement of MSNBC’s Fall 2004 schedule, it hinted that the network may achieve “popular acceptance” if its reporters and anchors can prove their “worthiness and integrity.”
Mr. Sistani’s support is seen as crucial to the success of virtually any endeavor, so MSNBC executives greeted the announcement enthusiastically.
“This is a major milestone for us,” said one unnamed news producer. “Sistani can make or break a season by raising his eyebrow. I’m sure the Pentagon and the White House are almost as excited as we are to get his nod of approval.”
Officials at CNN downplayed the significance of the statement, noting “we’ve had Sistani’s backing for a long time.”
