October 12, 2000 http://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/12/politics/12LEND.html Senators Propose Global Version of C-Span By THE NEW YORK TIMES WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 — Two senators proposed setting up a global equivalent of C-Span, the public affairs cable channel, as a way of dismantling what they called the formidable wall of secrecy that shields decision making at several leading international agencies. In a report, the senators, Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York and Ron Wyden of Oregon, both Democrats, said that despite pressure from Congress, several leading American and international financial and trade bodies continued to operate behind closed doors. The lawmakers were particularly critical of secrecy practices at the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund and the International Olympic Committee. They also called for more disclosure by the Federal Reserve Board. They suggested that creating a global network devoted to televising agency meetings could create momentum for more openness. The Clinton administration says it has been working for transparency in all global institutions. Most global agencies say they are as open as their member nations allow them to be.
