Why Many Lebanese Are Shunning Aljazeera

The coverage of the recent fights between the Lebanese army and Fateh Al Islam has resulted in a mass exodus of Lebanese audiences away from Aljazeera.

The latest wave of Lebanese to shun Aljazeera didn’t do so because of distaste of free media. They have simply had it with their biases.

“I used to be upset with Aljazeera for giving as much air-time to Syrian regime apologists as to pro-independence Lebanese law-makers”, said Mr. Azzam, a Lebanese Sunni trader in this African country. “I was okay with it and thought it’s a good source of information about the other side’s point of view. But the way it covered the Nahr el bared fighting is simply outrageous. I don’t want to watch it anymore”

What Mr. Azzam -and many like him in my non-scientific sample of around 50 people- was referring to is Aljazeera’s portrayal of the Lebanese army as a ruthless aggressor, and its insinuation that it’s acting like the Americans and Israelis. Aljazeera gave high exposure to civilian casualties, and minimized coverage of the cause of the fighting, namely, the unprovoked and deliberate attack by the terrorists on the Lebanese army.

To add insult to injury, Aljazeera refers to the shelling targets as “what the Lebanese Army says are militant hideouts,” casting doubt on our military’s judgment the same way it does when it says “Israel bombed what is says are hamas weapon factories”

Their coverage was obviously very far from the mood of the country, and some watchers might tune back in when things get calm again. But for many, the move is permanent.

“Al-Arabiya was way more balanced, I even preferred watching (the American funded) Al-Hurra” Mr. Azzam concluded. And so far, they all seem to agree.

PS: After reading the comments below and responding if you want, don’t forget to watch the video of Walid Jumblat castigating Aljazeera or read Elie ferzli’s piece and Diana Mukalled’s piece