6. Name: Christina Øvestad Eikeland Title: The Media Revolution of Al Jazeera: A Study of How Al Jazeera Staff Depict the Channel’s Power to Influence Freedom of Speech and Democracy in the Middle East and Qatar Institution: University of Oslo Country: Norway Date: 2004 Language: Norwegian Abstract: This study aims to assess Al Jazeera’s influence on freedom of speech and democracy in the Middle East. To this end, the researcher conducted interviews with Al Jazeera staff, covering the main topics the study is looking at. The first topic is the methods that Al Jazeera applies to reduce censorship and increase freedom of speech in Qatar and the Middle East. The second topic this study tries to explore is the possible role that Al Jazeera is playing in consolidating democratic values and increasing the popular demands on democracy. According to classical media theories, media actors participating in democratization processes, play a key role in creating public spheres and forums in which the people interact freely and debate public issues without censorship or restriction. The data analysis of this study showed that Al Jazeera has a positive influence on the freedom of speech in the Middle East and Qatar, due to its dauntless approach and coverage of controversial topics in news and talk shows. The analysis also emphasizes the role of external support from democratic states in the development of Arab democracy.
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