Al Jazeera’s Audience : From Shocking Contexts to Conditions of Change Abdeslam Razaq
Introduction Since its inception in 1996, all media projects launched by Al Ja- zeera – from its Satellite Channel up to the most recent digital projects – have always been at the heart of Arab geopolitical transitions. Be it Al Jazeera Mubasher (April 2005), Al Jazeera English (June 2006), Al Jazeera Documentary Channel (January 2007), or even digital services such as AJ+ (September 2014), every single project has been the out- come of positive interactions with the ongoing transitions across the Arab world as well as the needs of its audience. Overall, Al Jazeera’s projects have responded to pressing needs in a dynamic Arab context. In celebrating its silver jubilee as the most important media institu- tion in the modern Arab world, Al Jazeera celebrates its success in liber- ating a traditionally state-controlled media spectrum, and allowing the Arab public to have an open access to real news and uncensored knowl- edge. Throughout the years, these efforts have contributed to fostering a new awareness and enabling the audience to develop the tools of social and political change. During its twenty-five years on the-air and online, Al Jazeera’s professional coverage of regional and international news has been instrumental in building a pluralistic political culture and a special relationship with its Arab audience, especially through its great diversity and varying preferences.
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