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The Layalina Review

VOL. V NO. 1, January 02-January 15, 2009

Al-Hurra 2008: A year of Broadcasting Dangerously

Throughout 2008, US-funded Al-Hurra’s broadcast credibility and professionalism were frequently questioned, generating lively debates and reports on its programming, opinions, influence and future. The US government however defended Al-Hurra's viability and countered critics assailing its programming and raison d'etre.

George Washington University professor Mark Lynch asked on his blog Abu Advaark in July, "Is the real problem conceptual or implementation and management? … What should Al-Hurra be, a pseudo-independent news outlet or a mouthpiece for US foreign policy?" (See also PR.IV.14: Al-Hurra: Sense and Credibility.) The question remains unanswered to many in the field of public diplomacy.

"Al-Hurra seeks to provide quality, professional journalism with American standards," asserted Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and former Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) Chairman James Glassman in July. Yet, a study commissioned by Al-Hurra and led by researchers at the University of Southern California that was released late in the year, concluded that America's Arabic-language broadcasts in the Middle East fail to meet basic journalistic standards and are seen by few, according to Pro-Publica. (See also PR.IV.26: "Privatization" of US Broadcasting vs. Accountability)

According to the study, Al-Hurra lacked appropriate balance and sourcing, "relied on unsubstantiated information, excessively editorialized" and failed to present opposing views in a majority of its news stories. Moreover, it has not distinguished itself and "has also failed to develop the distinctive style, format and breadth of coverage that might attract a substantial audience."

Although Al-Hurra now reaches 28 million people throughout Iraq, the Middle East and Europe, Nancy Snow argued on The Huffington Post, "Al-Hurra has never produced a large audience share and has not built up a credible broadcast profile in the target publics of the Middle East."

Al-Hurra is seen as less in-depth than its major competitor, Qatar-based Al-Jazeera. In June, ProPublica contributor and former US ambassador to Yemen William Rugh claimed that Al-Jazeera covered Arab government issues and the United States in comprehensive ways unmatched by Al-Hurra. (See also PR.IV.14)

Craig Whitlock for the Washington Post reported in June that content seemed inappropriate and boring to Arab journalists and viewers, who criticized the airing of fluff programming rather than major news and the rarity of unique, investigative pieces.

Joaquin F. Blaya, governor at the BBG, argued in the Washington Post in July, "The vast majority finds its news and information to be reliable." According to Blaya, attacks against Al-Hurra failed to recognize the success of the broadcast and reflected a fundamental misunderstanding of US international broadcasting, which aims to enhance understanding of local events and of American society and policies. (See also PR.IV.15: Al-Hurra, Alive and Kicking)

Daniel Nassif, news director of Al-Hurra, in an interview with Middle East Quarterly replied to a question on Al-Hurra’s ambitions in the short, medium, and long-term, "To make Al-Hurra one of the top networks in the Middle East." However, as the recently released USC Annenberg Report demonstrates, Al-Hurra, according to Blogger News Network’s ‘The Federalist’, "has never been able to seize the moment and change the paradigm of anti-US public opinion in the Arab and Muslim world."

Indeed, The Federalist contends that lacking balanced editorial counterpoints, and with ineffective journalistic control, Al-Hurra "symbolizes a daily taunt in the face of the Arab public." The article concludes by recommending that Al-Hurra be shut down, replaced by a re-established Voice of America (VOA) Arabic radio and internet service. The Federalist’s sharp critique of US broadcasting efforts also strikes a chord with Kim Andrew Elliott on his blog. Elliott points out, "The market for international broadcasting does not seek propaganda. Instead, they tune in for the reliable, credible news that is the antidote to propaganda."

Yet, ProPublica noted in July that many were concerned that Al-Hurra undermined US efforts and goals in the region, and the conflict between US interests and journalism pervaded. Larry Register, a former CNN executive who asserted that the US government supported free speech as long as it was in line with US policy, reported CBS News. (See also PR.IV.14)

Controversial broadcasts such as a live speech by Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah, a Holocaust deniers’ conference in Iran and a program, which featured a wanted Iraqi MP drew extensive government criticism and threats for cuts in funding because they provided a platform to terrorists and views contrary to the US position. (See also PR.IV.14 and PR.IV.15)

Late in the year, the BBG launched a campaign to defend its efforts. Free Media Online (FMO) asserted that "innovations" to combat censorship and promote democracy have instead been responsible for the steepest decline in the positive indicators of US image abroad in recent history. (See also PR.IV.26)

Ted Lipien, former VOA acting associate director recommended in Free Media Online the abolishment or redesign of Al-Hurra under the Obama administration. Al-Hurra’s Arabic broadcast has received nearly $500 million from US taxpayers.

Bloggers News Network concluded that separating BBG-generated "propaganda" from the advice of "independent experts with no link to the political appointees, consultants, and contractors who have exposed US public diplomacy to international ridicule" is necessary.

The fiscal and editorial "fiasco" of Al-Hurra has severely damaged America's reputation abroad thereby undermining the primary purpose of its creation, FMO added.

For its part, Al-Hurra’s year-end acquisitions reflect a continuation of most current programming strategies. According to C21 Media, purchases include the extreme weather series Epic Conditions, interstitials series such as travel Postcards and hour-long documentaries Inside Indonesia: Struggle for the Soul of Islam and Thomas L Friedman Reporting: The Other Side of Outsourcing.

Whether this indicates a deepening focus on investigative reporting and a response to Al-Hurra’s critics remains to be seen.