Al-Jazeera

Al-Jazeera and objectivity

Most of the Western media pride themselves on the fact that they provide impartial, fair and free coverage of news. Objectivity is at the heart of Western media practices and it is a concept which goes hand in hand with the right to freedom of expression and the right to communicate. Objectivity is a concept that was lacking in some Arab media because of their unfailing support for governments; however, the launch of Al-Jazeera has changed this and the channel considers objectivity part and parcel of its broadcasting practices. This is clearly articulated in the channel's motto, ‘The Opinion and the Other Opinion’ (El-Nawawy 2006: 29). Al-Jazeera's new approach and commitment to freedom of expression and representation of all views is a new phenomenon to hit the Arab world. It has been welcomed by the Arab public and media observers alike. According to El-Nawawy (2006: 30), Al-Jazeera believes that ‘public discourse can only be equitable and effective if all possible opinions and views are expressed and demonstrated equally, whether they are Israeli, Palestinian, American or Turkish.’ It appears from this that Al-Jazeera has adopted a pluralistic approach where all individuals, governments and organisations are treated equally and fairly in the channel's coverage.