Face to Face with Kim Hill: John Pilger

From watching this, I'd have to agree with Pilger when he says Hill didn't prepare. I watch a lot of TV online worldwide. Unfortunately, there really is a growing right-wing "rip them to bits" attitude that management seems to think is guaranteed to get ratings.

Sadly they're mistaken. And, they don't seem to care.

Interesting to watch this interview several interviews. Quite apart from anything Pilger's analysis has been confirmed by time (the Americans were/are there a long time. Pilger's responses to questions were well-considered although he had to struggle against interruptions and other antics from Hill. I find the synopsis (as well as the interview) a disgrace.

Kim Hill's first question, referring to the Iraq war, was "Surely if there was ever a just war this is it?"
Given that all the weapons inspectors were saying they were fairly sure Iraq had no WMD this was a one eyed and belligerent assertion. Pilger's comments above turned out to be correct. America did slaughter the Iraqi conscripts, no one counted the bodies. The US is still there and has not rebuilt Iraq.

I think Pilger was responding appropriately to Hill's antagonism. While he was giving quite considered answers - Hill was stewing about losing face. Great fun to watch - but an embarrassment for Hill.

Hi Kim

Then would it be possible to link to a transcript of the first part? Presumably that would not breach licensing, and would allow the latter part on the clip to be judged better.

@ steve, @mordi - we would love to have the whole interview up on NZ On Screen, but unfortunately as per-Kim's earlier note, we're restricted by TVNZ's policy with regards to licensing us these shows. We've asked about getting this interview up in full-length (no luck) and will keep trying.

"The question that provoked Pilger's anger in the first place has been left out."

What was that question, please? Because that would really help explain the tone and content of the rest of the interview, which we see.

Hi Mordi, yes it would be great to have the first part of the interview but unfortunately under a licensing policy we have with TVNZ we're limited to a 6-min clip for this programme.

Any chance we could have the beginning of the interview here too please. The question that provoked Pilger's anger in the first place has been left out.

It's not hard to see how this interview went south, and frankly, I don't blame Pilger. Hill was being extremely pedantic in her remark about predictions when it was clear Pilger was being facetious in his comment about elections in Saudi Arabia. I saw the whole interview when it aired and Hill throughout demonstrated a great lack of historical knowledge concerning the Middle East. She was also determined to play the devil's advocate and in the process came across as a complete denialist of the real geopolitics in play at the time, failing to criticise for a moment (or address the real motives of) the then current foreign policy and the war drive of the US towards Iraq. With hindsight, we now know the WMD claims were completely false, and a million people had to die as a result. The real primary object for the US was to establish a permanent military base in Iraq.

Thank you for having this piece of history available. I remember watching this in 2003 and wanting to capture it and share with other friends who love John's work. John gave Kim a well deserved lesson of 'know your questions' and 'do the research'.

Good to keep this because sometimes it doesn't always go the broadcasters way. I don't think this is about ego just about the challenge that John Pilger puts out. He should not be taken lightly in a situation like this

Kim Hill brilliant? Usually yes but here, she looks completely embarrassed as well she should. Like a child who refuses to admit she is wrong she takes the offensive accusing Pilger of wasting time? I guess the acid test is to ask, what has Kim Hill done, what contribution has she made? Compare that to the likes of Pilger.

Kim Hill is the Channel 1 equivilent of John Campbell, all ego and little substance. Shown up by a superior journalist who's been to the country and seen it first hand. Watch Pilger's documentries and you'll see how much he knows. Kim Hill doesnt even come close.

Woah, I wish I'd seen the full interview. Pilger's behaviour just seems bizarre! Kim Hill is hardly a light weight interviewer and I wonder if Pilger came onto the programme feeling defensive somehow because of that...? Hill's close is simply brilliant.

This is one of my all time favourites. Although the moment where Kim literally throws the book at him has, sadly, been left out. None the less, quite a memorable fragment of Kiwi screen history. One that I never thought I'd see again. Thanks New Zealand On Screen!