Bush nominates new U.S. "image maker"

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush nominated on Tuesday a journalism veteran to lead the government's efforts to improve the country's international image.

James Glassman, former financial columnist and conservative commentator, was nominated to replace Karen Hughes as Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy, said the White House.

The nomination will take effect after being approved at the Senate.

"In this new role, Mr. Glassman will help effectively explain our policies and America's fundamental values to people around the world," White House Spokeswoman Dana Perino told a briefing. "The president looks forward to working with him as we continue to communicate this important message of hope and freedom."

Glassman had a column in the Washington Post and was the former president of the Atlantic Monthly magazine. He also appeared on a number of television talk shows and joined the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank.

Earlier this year, Glassman was named by Bush as chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, a federal agency that oversees government-sponsored international broadcasting activities.

Should be approved, Glassman would face the challenge to improve the U.S. international image that has been deteriorated in recent years, especially among the Muslim world.

Hughes announced her resignation in October and planned to return to her home in Austin, Texas.