The impact of ownership of satellite channels on editorial policy from the point of view of the media and academic elite

Abstract

The main goal of this study is to recognize the effect of satellite channels ownership in Palestine on the editorial policy from the point of view of experts and academics. The focus group consisted of both Journalists and academics, which were reached by contacting Journalists' Union and Palestinian Universities. According to the records provided by the competent authorities, the focus group consisted of (430) Journalists and academics meanwhile, the study sample was chosen to represent its group consisted of (206) members (Journalists and academics). The study depended on scientific basis for using the probability samples and therefore the random sample method was used in this paper. During this field study a questionnaire was used to reach the intended goals, the study also followed the Gatekeeping theory and Agenda-setting theory. The study came out with a number of results: First, that the role of satellite channel owners is very important in defining its editorial policy. Second, that Palestinian channels owners play a big role in suggesting agendas for talk shows which are aired on that channel. Third, is that the editorial policy of the channel affects the audience greatly. The study concluded that the media plans of Palestinian satellite channels are considered weak in presenting its content which is based on the policy of owners and not based on the needs of the community or audience. It also concluded that the Palestinian division play a big and negative role, it lead to more self-monitoring for the Palestinian satellite channels. In addition, Ads and economic aspects also play a big role in reinforcing obstacles and self- monitoring on Journalists who work in Palestinian satellite channels and also on the guests who are hosted in talk shows. The study represented many recommendations such as: The owner of satellite channels must not interfere in making editorial decisions because it reflects on the overall policy of the channel. It also suggested that the ability of Palestinian satellite channels to convince must be reinforced through developing media plans based on the needs of audience instead of working according to the policy of satellite channels owners. Palestinian satellite channels, which belong to a political party, must examine their editorial policy and work on reinforcing the independence of Palestinian satellite channels to get the attention of the audience.

This paper was divided into an introduction and three chapters as follows: The first chapter: The general framework of the study, which tackle methodological process of the study. It included important previous studies, the issue of the study and its importance and goals. In addition, the theories which were depended on during this study. The chapter has methods, tools, vocabulary and the focus group of the study. The second chapter: includes theories, types of ownership, its meaning and different forms. It also includes the editorial policy of satellite channels and the important factors, which affect their policy. The third chapter: It was dedicated for the results of the field study and its recommendations.