7. Name: Khalid Al Jaber Title: The Credibility of Arab Broadcasting: The Case of Al Jazeera Institution: University of West Florida Country: United States Date: 2004 Language: English Abstract: The advent of satellite broadcasting in early nineties led to unrestricted and diverse media alongside fundamental changes in the Arab political scene. These changes accelerated the decline of governmental monopoly on media, contributed to the liberation of deliberative space and gave people a voice and an opportunity to express their opinions, concerns and political views. Satellite news channels and new media, especially social networks, have radically changed the process of news production, distribution and consumption. This study explores the forms and limits of the impact of satellite broadcasting in the Arab world, focusing on Al Jazeera, which quickly became the leading Arab news channel. Due to its vast audience in the Arab world and abroad, Al Jazeera plays an essential role in the formation, direction and choices of public opinion. The study examines the channel’s credibility by applying the theory of use and satisfaction. It tries to identify the extent to which Al Jazeera was able to establish itself as a credible media outlet, and succeed in satisfying its audiences by understanding their needs and fulfilling their hunger for free and balanced media.
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