Norwegian Journalist Denied U.S. Visa

Celebrity journalist Pia Haraldsen's planned coverage of the U.S. Election is stopped by American Authorities.

Oslo, Norway (PRWEB) October 11, 2008 -- Pia Haraldsen - employed by Norway's largest broadcaster, TV 2 - was to cover the U.S. Election for TV 2s online entertainment site, tv2underholdning.no starting this week. She was supposed to interview people for blogs and articles pertaining to the American presidential election - all with a satirical element. But due to the project's satiric angle, the embassy has revoked her application. However, in a letter to Pia Haraldsen, the embassy is encouraging her to apply for another visa type.

Caused media stir in the U.S.

Ironically, the U.S. Embassy in Oslo has previously issued the same Pia Haraldsen a journalist visa for her work with the satirical tv show «Rikets Røst», that aired on Norwegian television last fall. Norway's largest newspaper, VG, has speculated that the visa troubles may have something to do with Haraldsen's interview with New York City Councilman James Oddo last year, which created quite a stir, as the councilman experienced massive media exposure due to his frequent use of the "f"-word.

Based on a misunderstanding

According to TV 2s Head of Information, Marianne Røiseland, the Embassy's "no" comes as a suprise:

"It's peculiar that Pia's visa application has been denied. What we're talking about here is satire and humor, a form of entertainment that plays an important role in any democracy. Just look at the Americans' fascination with 'The Daily Show'. That's satire at it's very best," says Røiseland who emphasizes that this ordeal must be based on a misunderstanding.

"I'm sure that this incident is based on a misunderstanding that will be handled promptly and correctly by the U.S. Embassy ".

"I will not be stopped"

The main character herself, Pia Haraldsen, says that she will keep on working as if nothing has happened.

- I will not be stopped. They may deny my entry to their country, but I will keep reporting through my blog here in Oslo, Pia says.

Pia will continue to write daily blog entries about the presidential election as her new visa application is being processed.

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