Unprecedented News Bulletins and Programmes With its programmes and news, Al Jazeera was able to expand the scope of press freedom and overcome the censorship that had stifled the Arab media landscape. The typical Arab viewer was not used to seeing news bulletins that competed with their western counterparts on official Arab channels. Al Jazeera’s launch brought with it news bulle- tins and reports from the field that reflected Arab viewers’ opinions and expressed their concerns and hopes. This was a substantive develop- ment on a political and media level. Al Jazeera’s programmes marked an unparalleled rise among Arab media outlets which used to impose strict restrictions on any discussion of affairs concerning Arab viewers. These official channels did not allow another voice, let alone an oppos- ing one. In its first year, Al Jazeera launched a number of significant pro- grammes alongside its news bulletins. These included al-Sharia wal Hayat (Sharia and Life), Akthar min Ra’ee (More than One Opinion), al-Itijah al-Mu’akis (The Opposite Direction), al-Malaf al-Usbo’ee (The Weekly File), Bayn al-Sutoor (Between the Lines), and Murasilun (Reporters). These programmes complemented one another to provide a balanced narrative while meeting the needs and concerns of diverse viewers in Arab and European countries. Al-Sharia wal Haya (Sharia and Life), which was originally presented by Ahmed Sheikh, was the first programme broadcast by Al Jazeera. It was not merely about re- ligion but looked at Islamic opinions in people’s lives and religious, political, social or cultural affairs. The programme also addressed many issues that were usually not discussed. Channel officials decided Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi would be the main guest on the show, and that it would be broadcast on Sundays so Muslims in the West could watch it on their days off. Viewers could call in live and ask Sheikh al-Qaradawi their questions. The advert for al-Itijah al-Mua’akis asked, “Are you in the op- posite direction? Correct your direction, and find the right direction”. When Faisal Al-Kasim became the Presenter, he suggested the pro- gramme name, but channel officials did not like it; so, he then suggest- ed al-Bu’ud al-Raabi’ (The Fourth Dimension), which they agreed to.
before the launch.
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