International News

1. How effective do you think the Internet will be for Al Jazeera as it attempts to reach a U.S. audience?

I think the Internet is an excellent idea for Al Jazeera to reach audiences in the United States. I think that the news style of Al Jazeera produces a new style that most American’s aren’t used to. The news organization can utilize the internet as a medium to create news in the way and style that they want to. However, most US citizens are biased and only want to hear news from their own news sources.

2. Based on your own observations, do you think that Al Jazeera English should be allowed to broadcast in the U.S.?

After observing the channels on the livestation, I think that the content from the station is appropriate to be broadcasted in the US. I think if Al Jazeera English was broadcasted in the US, it would give Americans a whole new perspective in the way news is portrayed. Even though some people might be biased they would be able to have to opportunity to view news a totally different standpoint and gain insight. I think that it is very important to allow other people to present their views even if one side may be biased.

3. What, if anything, do you notice about Al Jazeera's approach to telling the news? How is it different than the U.S.-based TV news outlets that you have experienced?

I noticed that the Al Jazeera’s news reporters do a lot more field reporting. Their stories focus more on poverty and economic issues. For example, in one of the clips I watched, it discussed how the actions of the American economy affected other countries as well.

4. While on the Al Jazeera site, be sure to check out the network's published Code of Ethics. Based on your own observations, do you think they are adhering to them?

Based on my observations, I think that Al Jazeera does a good job at adhering to the Code of Ethics. However, the fifth code of ethics states, “Present the diverse points of view and opinions without bias and partiality.” From what I’ve seen, think that for the most part Al Jazeera presents their news stories without being biased. However, I do think that it is impossible for reporters to be completely impartial on stories or issues.