Al-Jazeera, the Arab news network famous for broadcasting tapes sent in by Osama bin Laden and one of the few respected news organizations from the Arab world, is coming to the U.S. even though cable companies are trying to keep it in the Middle East.
An article in USA Today says that the Arab network is launching an English version of its network starting tomorrow and is expected to reach a deal with cable companies for news time, but in the meantime, since the cable companies aren't cooperating, Al-Jazeera is doing what any other non-mainstream media does in the U.S. - primarily operating off an English Web site for now.
I think it's interesting that Al-Jazeera is using the Web to promote its product in the U.S. when the cable companies aren't working with them. It just goes to show that in the Internet age, no one's views can be silenced or pushed out. Every one has an outlet.
I'm particularly interested in how this whole thing turns out because Al-Jazeera's U.S. bureau is only a few blocks from GW's campus and they are recruiting interns from the School of Media and Public Affairs (I got an e-mail on the listserv). I initially considered applying for the job because in my mind Al-Jazeera is a prestigious news organization and can give me insight into Middle Eastern culture, but with all the controversy, I think I'm going to hold out. But even so, I'm glad Al-Jazeera has the Web to give its version of the news. The U.S.'s supposed "marketplace of ideas" would be lacking without it. What do you think?
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