This book explores the political role of journalism in Arab countries marked by pluralist and manipulated media, offering a fine-grained analysis of political journalism in Tunisia and Lebanon. It combines political science and media and communication studies based on cases from the Arab region, drawing on literature in English, Arabic, and French. It includes a ground-breaking account of the 2019-2020 Lebanese protests and offers stimulating insights for students of Middle Eastern media and politics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Political Journalism in Arab Countries: Pluralist and Manipulated Media

The political landscape in Arab countries is marked by pluralist and manipulated media, where elites seek to control the narrative and shape public opinion. This book offers a comprehensive analysis of political journalism in Tunisia and Lebanon, drawing on literature in English, Arabic, and French. It combines political science and media and communication studies to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics at play.

The book begins by examining the historical context of media in these countries, highlighting the role of colonialism, authoritarianism, and the rise of nationalism in shaping the media landscape. It then delves into the political role of journalism in these contexts, exploring how journalists navigate the challenges of reporting in environments where political and economic interests intersect.

One of the key themes of the book is the tension between democratic and authoritarian practices in the Arab region. While some countries have established democratic institutions, others continue to rely on authoritarianism to maintain power. The book explores how journalists navigate this complex terrain, balancing the need to report the truth with the risks of censorship and repression.

The book also offers a fine-grained analysis of political journalism in Tunisia and Lebanon, drawing on nearly 100 face-to-face interviews with journalists, politicians, and activists. These interviews provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by journalists in these countries, as well as the strategies they employ to navigate the political landscape.

One of the most significant chapters in the book is the account of the 2019-2020 Lebanese protests, which highlighted the power of social media and the role of journalists in mobilising public opinion. The book explores how journalists used social media platforms to report on the protests, as well as the challenges they faced in doing so, including censorship and threats from authorities.

The book also offers stimulating insights for students of Middle Eastern media and politics. It builds on a framework that invites comparison with other regions around the world, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by journalists in the Arab region. The book's interdisciplinary approach combines political science, media and communication studies, and cultural studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the political role of journalism in the Arab world.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the study of political journalism in the Arab world. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the political role of journalism in Tunisia and Lebanon, drawing on a range of sources and perspectives. The book's interdisciplinary approach combines political science, media and communication studies, and cultural studies to provide a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics at play. It is an essential read for students of Middle Eastern media and politics, as well as anyone interested in understanding the role of journalism in shaping political landscapes around the world.

Weight: 513g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399515818