Al-Quds Issues in The Media: A Comparative Study of Aqsa T.V. And Palestine T.V. Coverage During the American Embassy Relocating

Abstract

This article examines the coverage of Al-Quds/Jerusalem issues by Palestinian political parties, FATAH and HAMAS, on their affiliated television channels, Palestine TV and Aqsa TV, respectively.  The study aims to investigate the influence of political parties and religious perspectives on the coverage of Al-Quds and determine the significance of Al-Quds as a national issue for Palestinians.  The study focuses on the period surrounding the relocation of the American embassy to Al-Quds, from 13 May to 19 May 2018, where 24 Arabic news broadcasts were collected.  The study utilizes the Agenda Setting Theory to analyze the role of Aqsa TV in shaping public opinion and perceptions of Al-Quds.  Through content analysis of prime-time news broadcasts from both channels during a specific week, the findings reveal differences in the prioritized topics, placement within the news, media formats employed, and duration of coverage.  Palestine TV emphasizes the civil aspects of Al-Quds from a national perspective.  At the same time, Aqsa TV highlights the religious significance of the Islamic-Jewish conflict.  The study concludes that the news coverage of Al-Quds reflects the political agendas of FATAH and HAMAS and suggests further research on the contrasting portrayals of Al-Quds issues in Palestinian and Israeli media.