|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://archive.frontpagemag.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=13160
Losing the Hearts and Minds of Arabs
(TechCentralStation-FrontPageMagazine) Stephen Schwartz - Since September 11, U.S. government officials have sought to "win hearts and minds" in the Arab and Muslim world by crafting publicity schemes and media projects. All of those produced so far have been characterized by a combination of bombast, naivete, and silliness that does more to undermine than to reinforce American credibility. Radio Sawa was dedicated to making young Arabs like America because Britney Spears lives here. But condescending to the Arab world did little to cut into the large audience dominated by such terror-supporting satellite TV networks as al-Jazeera, based in Qatar, and the Saudi-owned al-Arabiya. Al-Hurra, the new Arab satellite TV station subsidized by U.S. money, was launched as an open challenger to al-Jazeera. Yet al-Hurra has failed to gain credibility with Arab or Muslim viewers. Coalition media are wasting time and energy on pop music and soft news. American money can make a difference in the Arab media universe, but only by committing to media independence, professionalism, and a keen attitude of competition with the Arab "hate satellites."