Bearings Arab Channels Attitudes Towards the Palestinian - Israeli Conflict from the Palestinian Journalists’ Perspectives A Field Study

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the attitudes of Arab satellite channels toward the Palestinian-Israeli conflict from the perspective of Palestinian journalists. This was achieved by monitoring media coverage priorities, types of programs offered, sources used, and editorial trends toward the Israeli occupation. The study relied on a descriptive approach using a survey method and included a deliberate sample of (23) Palestinian journalists who had spent more than ten years practicing the profession. Data was collected using interviews and questionnaires.The results showed that Arab satellite channels show an interest in covering Israeli aggression, particularly against journalists. However, this interest does not encompass all aspects of the Palestinian cause, such as prisoner and refugee issues and settler crimes. The results also revealed weak media coverage of Palestinian cultural, heritage, and artistic issues, and a decline in the quality of political and documentary programs that expose the occupation's practices. Some satellite channels relied on Israeli sources and hosted Zionist figures. The performance of satellite channels varied, with Palestine TV ranking first in terms of interest in the issue, followed by Al Jazeera and Al Mayadeen. The study recommended achieving balance in media coverage, avoiding the adoption of Israeli terminology, reducing reliance on hostile sources, promoting cultural and political programs that serve the Palestinian narrative, and expanding coverage to include all aspects of the conflict.