Saudi media and propaganda
The Saudi elites have sought to influence opinion in the Middle East, and to a far lesser extent in Europe and the United States. Their efforts have gone through several phases: (1) pet projects; (2) attacking influences they don't approve of, e.g., nationalism; and post 9-11 a total alignment with US policy in the region. The common trend throughout the past few decades has been an attempt to smother any criticism of Saudi Arabia in general, and the Saudi elites in particular.
The curious elements of the Saudi-controlled media are: (1) its association with right-wing Lebanese Christians who happen to be anti-Arab; (2) a partnership with US propaganda efforts in the Middle East via its Al Hurra TV station; and (3) the use of the Saudi media for the placement of content that is later used by MEMRI or other pro-Israeli propaganda operations.
News organizations in the Saudi orbit
Resources
- Mohammed El Oifi, Not the voice of the street, Le monde diplomatique, Dec 2006. (subscription required).
