[GATOR NAVY]

There's no official "standard" American English, but the most common accent, and the one used by most media people is supposed to be descended from a Midwestern accent.

Interesting-as opposed to the UK or Japan where the standard accent is that of the largest city.

What a nightmare that would be if standard American English was New Yorkish ;-)

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Also was sort of surprised when read that the general American accent was from the Midwest. Geographically, it is around the center of the American population, but it still came as sort of a shock. It could be that media folk are recruited from that area. At least Tom Brokaw and Brian Williams are from that region.

[NZerFromHK]

"Interesting-as opposed to the UK or Japan where the standard accent is that of the largest city."

I don't really think Received Prouniciations is really London-based. London has Cockney accent which is working class and up until 15 years ago frowned upon by the polite classes. RP is more modelled on the private "public" school and Oxbridge accents, and these prestigious schools are based outside London, even though they are still in the Home Counties.