Visual framing on Arab satellite TV: Comparing the content and structure of Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English, Al Arabiya, Alhurra, and BBC Arabic newscasts

Initially praised as independent voices in a region known for authoritarian control, the pan-Arab satellite news networks have been criticized for airing content that is overtly violent, and sensational. Guided by framing theory and media categorization based in press theory and political economy models, a quantitative content analysis was conducted on news programming from five networks—Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English, Al Arabiya, Alhurra, and BBC Arabic—to determine if differences exist between the networks, and between 2 dimensions of a network taxonomy—western and liberal commercial—in how news selection, content, and sensational structural features are framed. The data from 6,595 shots and 438 stories reveal both similarities and differences in how the networks visually framed their daily newscasts and Arab Spring coverage. Differences were found in the nominal agenda diversity of stories aired between western networks emphasizing more sports, and liberal commercial networks emphasizing more teases. Alhurra presented more Amerocentric visuals than the other networks. The liberal commercial networks utilized more conflict visuals than western networks. In addition, the conflict visuals on liberal networks were more likely to depict explicit violence. The study also predicted differing applications of sensational production techniques among the networks. Use of sensational presentation features was found to be more likely on liberal networks. Al Arabiya utilized more sensational presentation features than the other networks. Visuals from Arab Spring coverage were also investigated. The western networks presented more non-violent visuals, while the liberal networks presented a more explicitly violent view of the uprisings. Al Jazeera English aired the most visuals containing conflict. Al Jazeera's coverage was the most explicitly violent. No difference was found in the application of the human interest frame between western and liberal networks. However, Alhurra invoked the political frame more than Al Jazeera and BBC Arabic. Finally, use of sensational production techniques in Arab Spring coverage mirrored routine news coverage. The liberal networks relied on more sensational presentation features. Al Arabiya's presentation style was the most sensational.