61. Name: Rachid Van Holst Title: Comparing CNN International, BBC World and Al Jazeera English: A Content Analysis Institution: University of Amsterdam Country: Netherlands Date: 2009 Language: English Abstract: The launch Al Jazeera English in 2006 was the motivation for conducting this study. The existing hegemony of Western media like BBC World and CNN over global news is being challenged by AJE, with its growing viewership. However, this would only be meaningful if AJE broadcasts different news content to BBCW and CNNI. To test whether the three global news stations are different, this study analyzed the content of 14 broadcasts per news station for the duration of one week resulting in 497 news items. Based on existing theories of media effects and emotions in news, this study found that CNNI, BBW and AJE are to some extent different from one another in news content. AJE is most different from CNNI, mainly in the stressing of negative aspects, use of dramatic language and display of gruesome and unpleasant images. BBCW is also different from the two other global news stations, but takes a middle position with both differences and similarities. However, AJE is unique in the way it delivers its content, even though the news items it covers may not be so different.
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