46. Name: Susan Schenk Title: The Image of Islam on International Television: Comparing the News Channels Al Jazeera English, BBC World and CNN International Institution: Technische Universität Dresden Country: Germany Date: 2008 Language: German Abstract: This study compares the reporting of the international news channels BBC World, CNN International and Al Jazeera English. Al Jazeera English (AJE) is the first English-language satellite channel from the Middle East to broadcast worldwide. Based on its self-image, the channel tries to challenge Western perspectives and take a ‘different look’ at world events. The study examines whether this self-image is reflected in the channel’s reporting. Since the analysis of AJE content requires an adequate standard of comparison, the coverage of CNN International and BBC World was also analyzed. Using quantitative content analysis, 201 news bulletins and 707 news articles were analyzed in the study for the period between 16 August and 16 November 2007. The investigation units formed the main news of the respective stations. The analysis shows that Al Jazeera English differs only marginally from the two western broadcasters and the similarities are in both content and form. Significant differences appear only in three points: AJE reports longer on Islam-related topics, it addresses Muslims less as perpetrators of militant actions, and gives Muslims more space to express their opinions and perspectives.
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