ISSN:
Final corrections
Journal Name:
UJ DIRASAT
Volume:
0
Issue:
0
Pages From:
1
To:
2
Date:
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Keywords:
Mediatisation; Mediatised Conflict; Pan-Arab Satellite TV Journalism; News Value; Framing
Abstract:
The article stresses the term ‘news value’ as one central concept in studying the role TV news media in political processes, also key issue of focus in the theory of mediatisation, which informs the theoretical framework in this work. Considering three key pan-Arab Satellite TV (PASTV) channels as case studies, the article draws on data generated through a qualitative field study of thirty semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the two sectors of news media and politics. In light of theory, the article explores how PASTV channels echeloned behind their financers, and covered the conflict developments fit to their political interests. The article examines the nature of the channels’ involvement, and how it was reflected on the conflict. Data analysis shows how, in their sought to meet the interests of their financers of political powers, PASTV channels framed the news –in varied levels- to create the news value and attract public attention; the channels aimed at creating public consonance with a local ally, also marketing fear from the ‘other’. While catering for their financers was principal journalistic target, PASTV produced instrumental journalism, participated in shaping Palestinian domestic politics, and the intensification and perpetuation of conflict became a disastrous by-product.