The US launch of Al Jazeera English in Washington, DC: An analysis of American media coverage

Abstract

Since its US launch in the Washington, DC, market in July 2009, Al Jazeera English (AJE), like other news organizations, has engaged in activities to shape and promote its journalistic values and practices for itself and the public. Using the theoretical framework of journalists as interpretive communities, this article examines American media coverage of AJE through its first seven months of broadcasting in the DC market. The study finds that AJE’s attempts to shape and modify its image for an American audience have been mostly successful, although limited. The analysis indicates a gradual move towards acceptance of the network in the USA by its journalistic peers (other American journalists).