Media in the Arab World

Al-Jazeera is an independent news network functioning from Qatar, which has been steadily gaining attention since its root in 1996. The network has been fairly controversial in its choice of topics and very unconventional as well which would explain why more Arabs and Westerners a a homogeneous incline to it for information about the current state of the Middle easterly. It first became popular when the network acquired a videotape containing Osama bin Ladens message regarding the 9/11 terrorist act. In the subsequent months, Al-Jazeera became the exclusive recipient of what came to be a series of bin Ladens messages.Al-Jazeera is characterized by its bold actions of bringing to the mankind issues that were previously considered sensitive or even taboo to be discussed on-air. Some of these topics include politics, corruption, terrorism, issues on gender and sexuality, religion and family values. Previously, societal dictates make discussions about topics like these only possible behind closed doors, never for the public audience. Because of the strict censorship that Arab giving medications have of the media, it has been pretty hard to come up with or revive an accurate and objective description of whats happening in the Middle East but fortunately, the network Al-Jazeera changed all that.So what are its impacts to the known land? For one thing, Al-Jazeera served as one wake-up call to the Arab world. If before, the Middle East is left in the dark about things that concern them directly, it isnt so now. Also Al-Jazeera advance a lot of Arabs to get involved with present issues regarding politics, security or even religion. Since Al-Jazeera began its popularity boom, its viewers frequency has been uncontested. People in the Middle East are as enthused now as we are when it comes to keeping up with all of the crucial happenings in the Middle East. (El-Nawawy Mohammed, 2002)Their most popular program is called The other Direction. With this, Al-Jazeera in vites proponents of both sides to discuss a particular issue. The show is very popular that a lot of political officials and experts are willing to appear on it. This lively discussion sometimes chip into hot debates between opposing parties resulting in very controversial airings where guests walk off the stage or shriek at each other at the top of their voices. Scenes that have been previously non-existent in Middle East television. Because they are independent, the Qatari government imposes little, if at all, restrictions on the network. Another fact that contributes to its growing popularity no doubt. (Mohammed el-Nawawy, 2002)Aside from impacting Arabs in the Middle East, Al-Jazeera has also established quite a name in the western world. Al-Jazeera efficaciously challenged the monopoly of western news networks like CNN and NBC on coverage about Middle East events, a change that most Arabs welcomed because accusations about western networks portraying them (Arabs) in a bad li ght are numerous. Even within Middle East networks themselves as well as international ones, there is a learning that Al-Jazeeras always ahead especially when it comes to groundbreaking news in the Middle East. In fact, the network is so noteworthy that it helped put the Qatari government in the map.It also helped a lot of Arabs who are living in other parts of the world. For the first time, they are now shown an accurate picture of how it is like in their hometowns that further strengthens their ties to their respective, to use Benedict Anderson imagined communities. This helps them relate to important contents that concern them which would provide them enough opportunity to act on it. In a certain level, Al-Jazeera helped a lot in bridging geographical gaps and bringing the Arab consciousness closer and closer. Today, if one wants to know whats happening in the Middle East, Arabs and Westerners alike turn to Al-Jazeera for news.The Al-Jazeera network certainly created a signifi cant impact to the power of media everywhere. Id like to think that what Al-Jazeera represents most is the epitome of what freedom of expression means. The safe to express themselves, the medias, should not be repressed whether in the Middle East or anywhere else. In this respect, Al-Jazeera serves as a beacon that proves that no matter what restrictions are imposed on speech whether culturally or socially, its freedom can still be attained.References El-Nawawy Mohammed, I. A. (2002). Al-Jazeera How the remedy Arab Networks Scooped the World and Changed the Middle East. Cambridge, MA Westview Press.Mohammed el-Nawawy, A. I. (2002, April 15). Al-Jazeera How the Free Arab News Network Scooped the World and Changed the Middle East . (J. J. Myers, Interviewer)