The enigma called Al Jazeera is in news again. They are perhaps the most (in) famous media in the Middle East, having earned a reputation of sorts over the last few years. Incidentally I just finished reading a book by Hugh Miles called “ Al Jazeera – How Arab TV news challenged the world”. This fascinating account of the birth, growth and eventual proliferation of the network brings to light the various challenges that the Qatar based journalists have had to face .
The media landscape in the Middle East is fragmented with several key Arab and English media trying their best to get their share of voice on important issues. IN a market where speaking out openly against the ruling government ( usually a monarchy) is a luxury, Al Jazeera has stood up for its values and spoken out loud and clear. As a media house, it seems to be doing a good job – at least from my personal experience as a media professional in the region, all my experiences with them have been rather positive. Though I don’t watch TV – so have no direct access to their programming, their professionalism in chasing up a story and reporting on issues which are of vital importance comes across quite clearly.
The latest move by the Palestinian Authorities to ban Al Jazeera is a short-sighted move and smirks of the very same attitude that Israel uses to control media.
If the Middle Eastern countries aspire for leadership and openness they must also pay a price for what accompanies it – accountability as well as a free press. There cannot be progress and growth without debate, discussion and frank and honest exchange of ideas and information. If there is an attempt to hide it or curtail basic freedoms, this shows that those who talk about freedom and democracy are hollow.
The Palestinian leadership must be brave and let the channel investigate its own truth and contribute to the debates that are raging about the power struggles going on in the occupied lands. As long as there is debate and discussion, there is hope of the truth coming out. If people are forced or bullied into submission it is a sure sign that something is not right.
In another development, the Yemeni reporters of Al Jazeera received death threats from people claiming to be their well-wishers. The threats came as a result of the coverage that the station is giving to the protests going on in the country.
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