This just in: Al-Jazeera, an Arabic television news channel, has begun to broadcast its programs in English. While it has yet to strike a deal with any cable company or major satellite provider in the United States, Al-Jazeera English is currently available to Americans via the World Wide Web.
Though it only started on Nov. 15, the program has already sparked controversy. Opponents say that to air Al-Jazeera English on television is to facilitate the dispersion of anti-American propaganda. Supporters see the idea as an opportunity for Americans to explore a viewpoint they know little about.
And Jumbos? Most of those interviewed defended Al-Jazeera's right to free speech, as well as Americans' right to hear it.
"It's the extreme view, but it's still a view, and we should be aware of it," freshman Sajeev Popat said.
Popat said that all news broadcasting programs are inherently prejudiced. "CNN and MSNBC have been very biased about being pro-American," he said. "Al-Jazeera may seem offensive, but it still gives other perspectives on issues. That's more of an American way of giving the news."
Senior Selin Kent said that a broader perspective would be beneficial, especially given recent trends in the international community's regard of the United States. "It might allow the public to better understand the sources of anti-Americanism, which is obviously not limited to the Arab world," she said.
According to senior Rachel Barbarisi, allowing Al-Jazeera to air could act as a check on American broadcasting programs. "It would give us a greater understanding of how to interpret current events and the news in our own media," she said.
Still, the notion of funneling "news" through a medium some perceive as anti-American can be troublesome. Junior Max Weiss pointed to the distinction between using Al-Jazeera as a primary news source versus a supplementary one. "We should see it just to see it; it shouldn't actually be taken as legitimate news," he said.
But how to guarantee that Americans would tune into Al-Jazeera with critical eyes and ears? Weiss suggested one way to foster skepticism among viewers: "It shouldn't be on a main network," he said.
Junior Steve Wise proposed a second solution. "I don't think it should be part of the standard cable package - maybe part of the gold or premium package," he said.
If Al-Jazeera English were to seal a deal with an American television network, would Jumbos choose to watch it?
Popat said he would, but was quick to clarify his priorities. "I'd watch it, but I'd watch it in juxtaposition with CNN and MSNBC," he said.
Weiss said that while he respects Al-Jazeera's right to occupy a channel in his television set, he would not choose to tune in.
"It represents opinions I don't agree with," he said. "I find it a sensational and not-fully-accurate news source."
Wise agreed. "Why would I want to watch something that I don't agree with?" he asked.
Kent offered her own answer. "I'd watch it for the same reasons I watch Fox," she said, "not as a source of information, but to see another point of view."
