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Contradictions in the Arab media: The case of Arabsat
Karimi Alavi, Mahmoud
Karimi Alavi, Mahmoud
Publication Date
2010-06-18T15:38:23Z
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The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
Peer-Reviewed
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Accepted for publication
Institution
University of Bradford
Department
Department of Applied Social Science
Awarded
2001
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Abstract
In the construction of their media infrastructure, most of the Arab countries are spending millions of
dollars on US and Western contracts. Regarded as one of the fastest growing and dynamic markets
for media technologies in the world, the region may lack a clear media policy as a guideline to shed
light upon the mega million investments on the industry. Some critics suggest that the advanced
media technologies provided to the Arab world are mostly initiated by Western sales/marketing
strategy rather than Middle Eastern choice and initiative. They see the process as a reaction to the
Western media practices, rather than a pre-planned policy. This study is directed toward constructing
a critical understanding of the development, and current status, of media policy and infrastructure in
the Arab world. Being undertaken as the basis of a Ph. D. thesis in an inter-disciplinary department,
the research is informed by a strong inter-disciplinary perspective, but with a clear political economy
emphasis. The study seeks to examine whether there is a clear media policy in the Arab world, either
at a national or regional level. Within this context, ARABSAT, perhaps the most popular media
system in the Arab world, constitutes a specific case study. Inaugurated in 1985, the system has
been the subject of extensive debate, sometimes heatedly discussing its pros and cons. Its long period
of operation, the extensive contribution of most Arab/Muslim countries in the process of the creation
and operation of ARABSAT, as well as the footprint coverage of the system including the Middle
East, most parts of Asia, the Indian subcontinent and some parts of Europe, make the contribution of
ARABSAT within the Middle East media environment of particular interest. Now, nearly 15 years
after the advent of ARABSAT, established and supported by the overwhelming majority of the Arab
states, a critical assessment of the system in terms of policy/strategy is timely.
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Type
Thesis
Qualification name
PhD