MUMBAI: Al-Hurra, the Arabic language satellite television network set up by the US administration to promote "freedom and democracy" in the Middle East, will be investigated for possible irregularities.

Media reports indicate that Al-Hurra's programming has come to reflect the preponderance of Lebanese on the staff, rather than projecting a pan-Arab outlook. In a related piece of news, Kenneth Tomlinson, who is the chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors that oversees most US government broadcasts to foreign countries, is the subject of an inquiry into accusations of misuse of federal money and the use of phantom or unqualified employees.

The board, whose members include the secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, supervises the government's foreign broadcasting operations including the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe. Al hurra was set up by the Board of Governors, and is being examined by the US inspector general for possible problematic procurement practices.

Media reports state that accusations against Tomlinson involved spending federal money for personal purposes, using Broadcasting Board of Governors money for corporation activities, using board employees to do corporation work and hiring ghost employees or poorly qualified employees.

Al-Hurra has got nearly $50 million in financing and was set up to compete with Al Jazeera and other Arab news stations. Unfortunately it is now being seen as being a mouthpiece for the US government, indicate media reports.