197. Name: Madeleine Kassab Title: Media Coverage of the Syrian Crisis from 2011 to 2013: Comparison between Al Jazeera and Al-Manar Channels Institution(s) : Université de Liège and Lund University Countries: Belgium and Sweden Date: 2020 Language: English Abstract: This study examines the coverage of the internal pivot of the Syrian crisis by Al Jazeera and Al Manar satellite channels from 2011 to 2013. This research draws on the influential role of Al Jazeera and Al Manar channels on the Arab public opinion, and the engagement of Qatar and Hezbollah, at different levels, in events in Syria. Theoretically, this research is based on agenda-setting theory, news framing theory and gatekeeping theory. The research findings showed that the tendency of Al Jazeera channel’s media coverage was clearly anti- Assad and pro-opposition by a rate of 100%. Contrary, Al Manar’s coverage was found to be anti-opposition and pro-Assad by a rate of 100%. Each signifier mentioned in the research samples contributes to propaganda promotion and psychological war. The two channels adopted several techniques in their media coverage of the Syrian crisis, which are known in the field of propaganda, including assertion, repetition, exaggeration, name-calling, glittering generalities, reincarnation and plain folk, recipient-credible testimonials, bandwagon, simplification, emotional enticement, euphemism, diverting attention, lesser than two evils, pinpointing the enemy, inflicting terror and chaos, and lying and misleading.
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