International News Assignment

Observations:
In general, I think a lot of the news organizations outside the U.S. have a greater focus on international news. BBC News is one of my favorite sources of news because they have comprehensive international coverage. I think that of the sites, they are also the most objective. The others sites, I would not say are biased, but they definitely present the news from a different viewpoint. In some cases the government also seems a bit glorified. On the other had, I also think these organizations sometimes present news in a more straightforward fashion than you find in the United States. There is less sensationalism for some stories.

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

I don't think it will be very effective in its attempts to reach a U.S. audience. Even though it is available on the web, I think few Americans are going to be drawn to the site because of its negative connotations, even though many views of the station may be unfounded. Because they are using the internet, if users do stumble upon it, it will also be very easy for them to leave. On the internet, Al Jazeera must be found in order to be viewed and I don't see many Americans seeking it out.

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

I think they should be allowed to broadcast in the United States because I am a strong proponent of free speech. No one would be forced to watch it, it would be possible to change the station or turn it off. As long as they are not inciting violence or doing a different activity in violation of free speech, they should be able to broadcast just like any other international organization. From my observations, though coming from a different viewpoint there is nothing really objectionable about the station.

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?

Al Jazeera's approach is different in the sense that it comes from a different viewpoint than American news. Al Jazeera's approach definitely comes with more of an emphasis on the Middle East perspective. I don't think this is a good or bad thing, it just means the news is funneled through a different lens. Also, I find it interesting that while American news doesn't focus on international stories as much, Al Jazeera does to an extent, though there is definitely also a specific focus on the Middle East.

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?

I thinking they are doing what they can to adhere to them. Overall their coverage seems fair and balanced, and is at least as objective as American news is. Again, it just comes from a different perspective. While watching the site, you wouldn't necessarily think this is a broadcast with a particular agenda, it seems like many other international news agencies. Their Code of Ethics holds them to quite a high standard and I think yes, they are adhering to it as much as is possible based upon the limitations of being human.