Dr.Mohamed Salah
Perceptions of Western or European media in Arab countries are often complex and nuanced, shaped by a multitude of factors including historical, political, and cultural influences. While Western media outlets are widely accessible in the Arab world, their credibility is often questioned, with many Arabs expressing concerns about bias, agenda-setting, and cultural insensitivity.
Scientific studies have shed light on these perceptions, providing valuable insights into the credibility of Western media in Arab eyes. A 2019 study by the Arab Center for Research and Development Studies (ACRIDES) found that trust in Western media among Arabs was generally low, with only 22% of respondents expressing confidence in Western news sources. The study attributed this low trust to factors such as perceived bias in favour of Western interests, lack of understanding of Arab culture and perspectives, and sensationalized coverage of Arab issues.
Another study, conducted by the University of Oxford’s Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism in 2022, found that Arab audiences were more likely to trust news sources from their own countries or from other Arab nations than from Western outlets. This suggests that factors such as cultural familiarity and perceived proximity may play a role in shaping media credibility.
Several factors contribute to the perceived lack of credibility of Western media in Arab eyes. One factor is the historical context of Western involvement in the Middle East, which has often been characterized by military interventions, political interference, and economic exploitation. This history has led to a deep-seated scepticism among many Arabs towards Western narratives and institutions, including their media outlets.
Another factor is the perceived bias of Western media coverage of Arab issues. Arab critics often argue that Western media outlets tend to focus on negative stories about the Arab world while neglecting positive developments. They also accuse Western media of portraying Arabs in a stereotypical and often dehumanizing manner.
Additionally, Western media are often criticized for their lack of understanding of Arab culture and perspectives. This can lead to misrepresentations of Arab societies and misinterpretations of events. As a result, many Arabs feel that Western media coverage of their region is often shallow and inaccurate.
Despite these challenges, there are some efforts underway to improve the credibility of Western media in Arab eyes. Some Western media outlets are making an effort to diversify their coverage of the Arab world and to engage with Arab audiences more directly. Additionally, there are a growing number of Arab-owned and operated media outlets that are producing high-quality journalism that is more attuned to the needs and interests of Arab audiences.
In conclusion, the credibility of Western or European media in Arab eyes is a complex issue with no easy answers. Scientific studies have provided valuable insights into this issue, but more research is needed to fully understand the factors that shape Arab perceptions of Western media. Ultimately, improving the credibility of Western media in Arab eyes will require a concerted effort from both Western media outlets and Arab audiences.
