Summary: The dramatic expansion of open media in the Arab world is changing the political landscape of the region. How does this rapidly changing spectrum impact the United States, the Middle East, and the world? Will it lead to greater understanding or fuel tension, fear, and hatred?
More a polished magazine on a single theme than an actual documentary, "Rise and Influence of Arab Media" deftly and comprehensively looks at how competing interests are vying for the Arab eye with varying degrees of success. This program's strength is its balance, timeliness, excellent technical quality and (almost too slick) professionalism.
However despite a careful journalistic approach, this program's only real flaw is its total reliance on production by Western journalists. While great care was taken to include every conceivable Middle Eastern interviewee, it seems remiss to not have a report from an Arab journalist. As this program shows, there are many capable journalists frrom and working in the Middle East. A potential Arab audience would surely miss this.
Nevertheless, PDs pay attention. This is a solid piece of quality journalism on a hot button issue that is recommended listening and licensing.
Comments for 24/7: The Rise and Influence of Arab Media - A Documentary Special
Produced by Simon Marks, Kristin McHugh, and Keith Porter
Other pieces by The Stanley Foundation
Rating Summary
1 comment
Jonathan Groubert
Posted on April 25, 2006 at 12:20 PM | Permalink
Review of 24/7: The Rise and Influence of Arab Media - A Documentary Special
More a polished magazine on a single theme than an actual documentary, "Rise and Influence of Arab Media" deftly and comprehensively looks at how competing interests are vying for the Arab eye with varying degrees of success. This program's strength is its balance, timeliness, excellent technical quality and (almost too slick) professionalism.
However despite a careful journalistic approach, this program's only real flaw is its total reliance on production by Western journalists. While great care was taken to include every conceivable Middle Eastern interviewee, it seems remiss to not have a report from an Arab journalist. As this program shows, there are many capable journalists frrom and working in the Middle East. A potential Arab audience would surely miss this.
Nevertheless, PDs pay attention. This is a solid piece of quality journalism on a hot button issue that is recommended listening and licensing.