tinct media presence that detached from the traditional legacy of the of- ficial Arab media system. Official media had controlled the consumer’s mind, determining what the audience knows, when it knows it, when it will know it, what to think of it and how to react to it. In contrast, Al Jazeera has created a news model that enables the public to obtain live and independent news content whenever, and however it may wish to do so. And this was achieved in a vast world of information providers and modern means of communication, all subject to the effects of polit- ical and financial influence, pressure from advertising companies, and the exploitation of data analysis and political consulting companies. Professionally distinct from its predecessors, this news model cemented an unprecedented media practice by representing the facts in their vari- ous forms, dimensions and contexts – in other words, being profession- al at all levels. It is also characterised by a media culture with values and reference frameworks governing media practice. This practice ac- commodates the requirements of the standard model in news coverage, thus detaching itself from the traditional canons of official Arab media as well as from the dominance of international media organisations in their reporting of news, events and issues. This chapter examines Al Jazeera’s news model and explores the features of the mark it left in different fields. As such, it brings to light the active and pivotal role it played in its media environment, which justifies discussing two distinct stages: “pre-Al Jazeera” and “post-Al Jazeera”. Accordingly, we will highlight the influence of Al Jazeera on the international media landscape, which has become crowded with competing media networks established by Arab countries and in- ternational powers after realising the power and influence Al Jazeera achieved. In this context, the chapter will also discuss the following themes: the identity of Al Jazeera’s news model, the areas of rift in broadcast journalism and general knowledge with the Arab and interna- tional media, and the influence of Al Jazeera on others.
1. The Identity of Al Jazeera’s News Model
Al Jazeera’s editorial policy and the new media culture established through its professional work rules and news approach mark the start- ing point for exploring and defining what we call “the identity of the
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