XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT FLASH XXXXX 19:09:09 PST MON FEB 23 1998 XXXXX


OUTRAGE CONTINUES OVER CBS WAR GAMES

More now on that rehearsal run that turned nightmare last Friday afternoon between anchor Dan Rather and CBS NEWS Pentagon correspondent David Martin. Fantastic live CBS NEWS coverage of U.S. bombs dropping on Iraq -- coverage that was mistakenly beamed to television affiliates via satellite!

This in from a DRUDGE REPORT reader:

"I happened to be scanning my satellite dish when I came across Dan Rather reporting live on an attack on BAGHDAD. As I work in the financial business I immediately called numerous friends in the financial business and told them The WAR had started.

"They checked all other networks and they were reporting nothing about this event. I watched for about 15 minutes as they went into very detailed information about the attack. CBS had excellent 3D graphics showing cruise missiles and their routes and targets as well as other various attack methods. CBS also showed LIVE footage of attacks on BAGHDAD which was quite convincing.

"I telephoned CBS in NY and contacted their International News department. The woman I spoke to was quite surprised at my story. I told her that I was from Canada and she asked me if I was calling from the CBC. I explained that I was watching from my home and she sounded quite surprised. I told her that I had taped the whole event and that I wanted an explanation of what was going on. I gave her my phone number and asked if someone could call me and explain what was going on. After 10 minutes no one had called me so I called back. I asked why no one had called me and she said that high level execs were reviewing the matter. She stated that I was only one of two callers that had called them, the other residing in New Hampshire.

"I gave her my name, address and phone number and suggested someone contact me. I also explained that because I had contacted people in the financial industry a lot of money could be lost reacting to this news never mind the great embarrassment caused. The details of the report are too long to explain here so I suggest you get a copy of the tape.... CBS had the so-called attack taking place on FEB 25... The tape ended with Rather saying they had to return to what I believe he said what was the GRAMMYS and that they would be back with a report later..."

Operation Desert Thunder, Take One.