The CNN of the Arab world or a shill for terrorists? How support for press freedom and political ideology predict credibility of Al-Jazeera among its audience

Thomas J. Johnson, Shahira Fahmy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study surveyed Al-Jazeera viewers through a survey posted on the network's Arabic-language website to examine how credible Al-Jazeera viewers judge the network. Not surprisingly, Al-Jazeera viewers rated the network as highly credible on all measures. They rated CNN and BBC high on expertise, but ranked them low on trustworthiness. Consequently, BBC and CNN were also rated low on other credibility measures. Local Arab media were judged lowest on all credibility measures. Those who were younger and who relied heavily on Al-Jazeera were more likely to judge the network as credible.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)338-360
Number of pages23
JournalInternational Communication Gazette
Volume70
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2008

Keywords

  • Al-Jazeera
  • Credibility
  • Local Arab media
  • Political ideology
  • Press freedom

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Communication
  • Sociology and Political Science

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