Live Stream Q's: Al Jazeera English Channel

1. I believe that the internet will be an integral part of Al Jazeera’s push for viewership within the United States. While only two small television stations actually broadcast the channel within America, the Internet is the only option at this point for people to watch. Having a strong online presence that continues to grow will definitely bring Al Jazeera closer to becoming a channel on our networks. Even then, discrimination against the backers of the network and the image that has spread about the channel, whether it be true or not, will continue to hurt the networks chances of becoming big-time on U.S. Soil.
2. Based on my observations after watching for an hour, it seemed little different than the European news I have seen, including the BBC and even Canada’s CBC. The production quality is top notch, no doubt they get some serious funding from some wealthy Middle Eastern powers, but I feel like it should be up for the public to decide on. If people like it, why not. Personally I thought their 30 minute specials, including 101 east were well done and asked pointed questions, some that would never be asked on CNN or Fox News.
3. I believe that Al Jazeera English approaches news like the rest of the world does, with plenty of special reports that go in-depth about societal problems that our networks would only scrape the surface over. They focus on worldwide news and even have a substantial amount of American focused programs. I watched a reporting report called “witness” that focuses on people who are dealing with unique problems. The one I watched was on the homeless and mentally disabled living in America and following them around explaining how they need help. The American news outlets put an emphasis on Iraq/Afghanistan and our economy and the housing market when there are much larger issues going on around the world, AND at home. Al Jazeera does an exceptional job touching on a broad amount of issues.
4. I believe that Al Jazeera should be expected to abide by their code of ethics, and out of my hour I believe that they do a very good job, they aren’t particularly biased and they put an emphasis on letting the people they are interviewing do the talking, rather than the reporters, which gives viewers the sense that we are getting the facts and the real emotions that you expect from important news stories and events. Their 6th code sums up their reporting and investigations. “Recognize diversity in human societies with all their races, cultures and beliefs and their values and intrinsic individualities so as to present unbiased and faithful reflection of them.”