Mass Media in the Middle East

Book excerpt: This is the very first handbook to offer a comprehensive survey of mass media in 21 Middle Eastern countries. Knowledgeable Middle Eastern media experts unfold the little known but timely information about the region and compendiously discuss communication philosophies, newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, motion pictures, media regulations, ownership patterns, news agencies, new technologies, external media services, and the role of media in national development in 21 country chapters. In addition to providing information about domestic and international media services, broadcast programming (domestic and imported), and print media contents, each chapter integrates geographical, social, political, religious, and economic factors to enhance our understanding of each country's mass media structure. Undergraduate and graduate students, educators, researchers, journalists, international media consultants, and media specialists will find this premier handbook an invaluable resource.