178. Name: Mohamed Nacer Bedri Title: Al Jazeera between Serving Qatar, an Advocate of Arabism and Political Islam or Democratic Values: An Examination of Scholarly Works on Three Models in Contention Institution: Cardiff University Country: United Kingdom Date: 2015 Language: English Abstract: A number of public debates and controversies, as well as academic arguments, have surrounded Al Jazeera since its inception, but neither the station’s critics nor its supporters can deny that the network has a regional and global impact. This study examines scholarly works on the journalistic and political nature of Aljazeera, through a critical evaluation of three media models. It focuses on two main points, the first being an analysis of the main models identified by academic works on Al Jazeera, and the second being an examination of whether the concept of a ‘model’, as used in social sciences, applies to all Al Jazeera programs. The first model, ‘Aljazeera: A Force for Arabism and Political Islam’, regards the station as promoting Arabism and political Islam. The second model, ‘Aljazeera: Advocate of Democratic Values and Journalistic Professionalism,’ sees the station as a force for change, freedom, democracy and human rights. Professionally, it incorporates a declared commitment to a form of objectivity and balanced reporting. The third model, ‘Aljazeera: Propaganda Agent,’ looks at Aljazeera as serving the interests and policies of the state of Qatar.
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