new Arab media phenomenon: Qatar's Al-Jazeera, The

Middle East Policy, Jun 2001 by Bahry, Louay Y

If al-Jazeera TV channel really believes in freedom in general and freedom of expression in particular, why has it not mentioned, even once, the fact that dish antennas are banned in Qatar? Why has it not mentioned that citizens and residents of Qatar can only use cable television that transmits a few channels selected and approved only by the Qatari authorities?(30)

Another criticism is that al-Jazeera, as a TV station, uses Western news agencies and Western standards. Some people claim that this leads to alienation from Arab society by offering programs that are not part of Arab culture, such as fashion shows and programs on makeup and the use of perfume.31 Al-Jazeera tries to promote itself as an inter-Arab TV station, a unifying force for Arabs. But some people see it as a tool, exploiting divisions in the Arab world, increasing regionalism, and diverting Arabs from their identity. In this vein, one viewer has written:

The Arab atmosphere today is more susceptible to divisions and contradictions. These contradictions work to strengthen the frontiers among Arab countries, and any new frontiers will work against a unified Arab identity in favor of regionalism. Al-Jazeera talk shows are spreading animosities and feelings of revenge between one Arab and his brother-Arab. As a result these two Arabs will be divided after certain talk shows between supporters of this or that Arab country, because of people who are guests of this or that talk show.32

Between May 8 and 9, 2000, al-- Jazeera organized a special, closed seminar in Doha to evaluate its performance. Several top officers of al-Jazeera and guests from Qatar and abroad attended by invitation. Although not very much was published about the viewpoints expressed, it appears that several participants accused al-Jazeera of looking for sensationalism and exaggerating situations. Al-Jazeera was accused of describing or reporting things that never took place in a way that made it seem as though they really happened. These critics accused al-Jazeera of manipulating events and choosing images and footage that distorted the facts.(33) Finally, some people point to many talk shows in which the guests use abusive and even insulting language against each other. In some cases guests engage in shouting matches that leave the viewer unable to follow the debate or understand what is being said.34

CONCLUSION

Several factors have contributed to the phenomenal success of al-Jazeera. First, it is not simply a satellite TV channel. In the Arab world it has become the news itself, as people and the press discuss almost daily its programs and the effect they have. The official logo of al-Jazeera, al-rai wa rai al-akar (the opinion and the opposite opinion) has started to become a political slogan, accepted by many Arabs, in favor of respecting the beliefs and ideas of others and discussing them peacefully. Its success, therefore, is primarily due to the unlimited freedom the station exercises in comparison with other Arab TV stations. There are very few red lines in its programming, reporting and commentary. Second, the station has a unique collection of capable and experienced Arab journalists, broadcasters and staff. Most speak perfect English as well as Arabic. This helps explain the dynamic and efficient way al-Jazeera is managed, a far cry from the usual Arab bureaucratic lethargy. Third, al-Jazeera was the first Arab TV station to introduce major innovations in broadcasting and reporting. This has built an ever-increasing number of faithful and enthusiastic viewers.