Satellite Television in the Maghreb: Plural Reception and Interference of Identities

Abstract

The mass proliferation of satellite TV in the Arab language has led to a de facto cultural community, an umma by satellite. Based on a study of middle class “modern” families in Tunis, as well as more general soundings throughout the Arab world, this article examines the emergence of Arab satellite TV and its social, political, and cultural effects. The exposure of these Maghrebi TV viewers to “national,” “Arab,” or “French,” televisions is relative and fluctuating. The article explores the varied reasons for following foreign transmissions: curiosity, disenchantment with local (often government controlled) TV stations. The latter mainly, but not exclusively, still serve to draw individuals together especially at Ramadan into new forms of sociability. Widening enthusiasm for Arab satellite channels (which many Governments tried unsuccessfully to curtail) is due to increased demands for greater penetration of the events which are shaking the Maghreb, the Arab and Muslim world. The Al‐Jazira phenomenon is given particular attention. Its growing success in the Arab world comes from its criticism of the powers that be. Indeed, viewers discover for the first time exiled or locally silenced opposition personalities through exposure to satellite TV. This feeds distrust of official power but at the same time can actually enhance feelings of powerlessness. Another reason for its success is that American and European satellite channels are perceived as hostile to the Arabs and the Muslims, often only developing the point of view of their governments. The article concludes by suggesting that we must situate the relation of individuals to televised images in a framework of identitarian references: people adapt, construct, and navigate their identities through the complex interplay of their own demands and the varied offerings on satellite and terrestrial channels. The author suggests that in the Maghreb, withdrawal into the myriad offerings of satellite televisions and the Web is a means for individuals to satisfy their multiple and varied needs, and to manifest their vague desire to free themselves from the oppressive guardianship of their State and society.