There are many advantages with a news channel like Al Jazeera. In contrast to the BBC, CNN and other major U.S. tv-channels, Al Jazeera wants to produce global news in a neutral and less speculating manner. In one way this could be interesting, because the individual is given more freedom to think. The fact that Al Jazeera presents news in an unbiased and informative view, could affect the rest of the world. If the channel becomes more popular in the West and Europe, I think the relation between the Middle East and Western countries is going to improve considerably. A consequence of the increased popularity of the tv-channel will hopefully be that people achieve a better understanding of other cultures. The news has created a perspective of the situation that has been unchanged. Many therefore think of the Middle East synonymously with poverty and war. The terrible first impression of the policy that is performed in the Middle East will also affect other perceptions of countries in the area.
I think the news channel is an important element for Muslims in different countries, because it functions as a connection point for Muslim people. Al Jazeera guarantees to distribute news with a realistic perspective, and consequently people will begin to respect and understand Muslim people. Moreover, they are able to protect their own identity as Muslims. Al Jazeera does also give Muslims multiple options, because they can keep themselves updated with international news.
I am convinced of the fact that Al Jazeera has the opportunity to change Americans' perceptions regarding the Muslim culture. Many Americans remain skeptical to the Arab tv channel. Several have theorized that the news bureau has relations to Al Qaida, which clearly would undermine its credibility. Achieving all the recognition as an international tv-channel, I think it successfully will improve Arab-American relations.
Does the cultural background affect you as a journalist? To make an opinion about this issue, it is necessary to consider the following situation: There is a terrorist attack in a major city in Europe. How would the matter have been reported by two journalists with different cultural background? In general, I believe that two journalists with different cultural backgrounds will react similarly to the situation. In fact, most people, regardless of background and religion, are equally concerned about terrorism. Terrorism occurs in all countries, and is therefore a problem for all cultures. Nevertheless, given that such an attack had occurred, I think that many would blame the Al Qaida or other terrorist groups in the Middle East. In contrast to several U.S. newspapers, I am sure that Al Jazeera would have presented the issue in a professional manner, avoiding any urgent conclusions.
I think that most people should be more skeptical of the information that is distributed through the media. Most of the impressions we have got from the Middle East originate mostly from the media. Therefore, the media has an important role in our lives. Unfortunately, the Muslim people have never had the opportunity to change people's opinion of their culture. Now that Al Jazeera has become such a popular news channel, I believe that more people gradually are going to think differently about the Muslim culture.
