Diplomatic Conflict and Media Framing: Reporting of Al Jazeera and Al Arabia Channels Related to Saudi-Qatar Conflict

Abstract

Conflict in human history is older than diplomacy. In the 21st century, the nature of conflicts has changed into non-conventional warfare. The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Qatar started on June 5th, 2017 when Saudi Arabia and four other Arab states cut their diplomatic relations with Qatar. They accused Qatar as a supporter of terrorism among the region and Qatar totally denied the allegations against it. But diplomatic conflict begging between Saudi Arabia and Qatar and they both are using their media for trying to win this war. Electronic Media in the Middle East was founded in 1975's but it has been under the control of state authorities. Al Jazeera was launched on first of November in 1996 following the closing of BBC Arabic language channel in the region. The reason behind its shutting down was an intrusion of Saudi Arabia. After this happening Amir of Qatar at that time provided a loan of 500 million Qatari Riyal for the sustaining Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera flourished throughout its history and also remains under criticism. On another hand, Saudi Arabia is backing Dubai based channel Al Arabia, some Saudi investors and government of the Saudi regime have launched this channel for tackling the Qatari narratives through Al Jazeera. It is considered as a competitor and rival of Al Jazeera because of Saudi Royal family has some reservations about the channel and its ownership Qatari administration. Previous studies indicate that due to their rivalry and some other diplomatic issues, both channels are framing the issues related to both countries. The purpose of this research is to find out how both channels are framing the news and issues for fulfilling the state's interest. Critical discourse analysis of media reports is the most suitable method for finding the proper shreds of evidence regarding the purpose of this research. Saudi Arabia is supposed to a regional hegemon of the Middle East and the hegemonic stability theory can provide clear glasses to understand the whole issue. The results of previous researches point out that both channels are state-sponsored and working for strengthens the respective state’s point of view in diplomatic conflict.