41. Name: Tamer Al Masri Title: The New Role of the Media in the Middle East: A Case Study of Al Jazeera Channel and its Coverage of the First Fallujah Battle Institution: Near East University Country: Northern Cyprus Date: 2008 Language: English Abstract: This study explores the evolution of the media in the Middle East and its contribution to the formation of an Arab public opinion. It analyzes the ways in which media coverage of events has become in the new media environment, especially since the launch of Al Jazeera satellite channel. Prior to Al Jazeera, the notion of Arab media was almost non-existent, as it only reflected governments’ views and opinions. Al Jazeera was chosen as a case study due to the significant influence it has on public opinion and on the political sphere. This research focuses on the channel’s coverage of the first Fallujah battle in April 2004 during the Iraq war, considering that Al Jazeera was the only media broadcasting from inside the besieged city. Al Jazeera’s coverage of the battle was unique and marked an important turn in the course of the war. To understand the role Al Jazeera played in those events, the researcher conducted in-depth interviews with a number of journalists, correspondents and managers, particularly those who were involved in the coverage, whether in Iraq or at the news room.
277
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter