DOCSLIB.ORG

Al-Qaeda's Use of Advanced Media Technologies for Framed Messaging

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Al-Qaeda's Use of Advanced Media Technologies for Framed Messaging UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones 12-2011 The information battlefield: Al-Qaeda's use of advanced media technologies for framed messaging Jessica Marie Martin University of Nevada, Las Vegas Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/thesesdissertations Part of the Broadcast and Video Studies Commons, Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, International and Intercultural Communication Commons, and the Journalism Studies Commons Repository Citation Martin, Jessica Marie, "The information battlefield: Al-Qaeda's use of advanced media technologies for framed messaging" (2011). UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones. 1257. http://dx.doi.org/10.34917/2824164 This Thesis is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by Digital Scholarship@UNLV with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Thesis in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. This Thesis has been accepted for inclusion in UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones by an authorized administrator of Digital Scholarship@UNLV. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE INFORMATION BATTLEFIELD: AL-QAEDA‘S USE OF ADVANCED MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES FOR FRAMED MESSAGING By Jessica Marie Martin A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies Greenspun College of Urban Affairs The Graduate College University of Nevada, Las Vegas December 2011 THE GRADUATE COLLEGE We recommend the thesis prepared under our supervision by Jessica Marie Martin entitled The Information Battlefield: Al-Qaeda’s Use of Advanced Media Technologies for Framed Messaging be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies Greg Borchard, Committee Chair Julian Kilker, Committee Member Gary Larson, Committee Member David Dickens, Graduate College Representative Ronald Smith, Ph. D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies and Dean of the Graduate College December 2011 ii ABSTRACT The Information Battlefield: Al-Qaeda’s Use of Advanced Media Technologies for Framed Messaging By Jessica Marie Martin Dr. Gregory Borchard, Committee Chair Associate Professor of Journalism and Media Studies University of Nevada, Las Vegas Through a descriptive and qualitative content analysis of Al-Qaeda videos from 2001 to 2010, this thesis describes how the organization‘s video production has undergone a surge in production quality by using modern technology and skilled recruits. This thesis also provides background on the Islamic culture and the history of Al-Qaeda in order to put into perspective the goals of the organization‘s framed messages that are incorporated into their videos. The study also draws on parallels of propaganda use throughout history to highlight how regimes from all over the world understand the importance of communication during a time of war. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank the following individuals for their contributions to this study. Thanks to Thesis Chair Dr. Gregory Borchard for overseeing this project; most importantly for his time, patience, and guidance throughout the process. Thanks to committee members Dr. Gary Larson, Dr. Julian Kilker and Dr. David Dickens for their foresight, expertise and passion for the subject matter. Thank you all for your years of support and unhesitant willingness to be part of this project. iv PREFACE I chose to study the topic of Al-Qaeda‘s framed messaging because it was of professional interest to me as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Air Force who has deployed to the Middle East in support of the Global War on Terror. I believed that any research I conducted would benefit my practical application of the knowledge. This proved to be true; however, I did not anticipate the feelings associated with analyzing such material. From the beginning, I understood the importance of impartiality. For that reason, I was hesitant to disclose my background. However, my committee unanimously encouraged me to include it, with the argument that, by nature, everyone is bias to some degree. Despite my personal stance going into this project, I do believe the tone of the thesis remained balanced. One particular example of conflict was in reviewing the videos. It was disturbing to see footage of American and allied military members beating Arab men who appeared to be civilians. Yet, I had made the decision to transcribe each video for the appendix, and so I knew that had to be included. Ultimately, this study opened my eyes to the subjectivity of propaganda. Messaging framing is truly in the mind of the message sender. U.S. and allied military forces are serving to protect democratic freedoms, defending their citizens against ―terrorist‖ actions. Al-Qaeda followers are serving to uphold Sharia law, defending Islam against ―occupiers‖ threatening their culture. I am still a patriotic American Airman and have not become an Al-Qaeda sympathizer. However, I can appreciate the sincerity of messages with reasons behind a passionate delivery. v TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ……………………………………………………………………. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ……………………………………………………. iv PREFACE ………………………………………………………………………v LIST OF IMAGES ………………………………………………………………vii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………. 1 Al-Qaeda‘s rise to the front ……………………………………………. 6 Thematic Statement ……………………………………………………. 13 Significance of study ……………………………………………………. 15 Literature Review ………...………………………………………….. 18 Methodology ……………………………………………………………. 26 2001: ―Osama bin Laden—November 9th, 2001‖ ……………. 27 2005: ―Knowledge is for acting upon—The Manhattan raid‖ …....... 28 2008: ―Al-Qaeda leader on Obama‘s victory‖ ……………………. 30 2007: ―Al Qaeda/as Sahab: Hafiz Usman & Adam Gadahn propaganda [English]‖ ……………………………………………………. 31 2007: ―The solution‖ ……………………………………………. 32 2008: ―Al Qaeda recruits children‖ ……………………………. 32 2009: ―‗Gaza, not again‘ Al-Qaeda propaganda video‖ ……………. 32 2010: ―Adam Gadahn March 7, 2010 video with transcript‖ ……. 32 2011: ―Ayman Dhawahiri—I have never been a member of Muslim brotherhood!‖………………………………………………… 32 CHAPTER 2: FINDINGS .…………………………………………………… 38 Video length and spokespersons…………………………….......................39 Production quality ………………………………………………......... 44 Key messages (calls to action)…………………………………….............. 51 CHAPTER 3: CONCLUSION …………………………….……………… 58 APPENDIX …………………………………………………………………….. 66 REFERENCES ……………………………………………………..……… 155 VITA ............................…………………………………………………....160 vi LIST OF IMAGES Image 1 ―Osama bin Laden—November 9th, 2001‖ screenshot……………. 66 ―Knowledge is for acting upon—The Manhattan raid‖ Image 2 part 1 screenshot……………………………………………. 70 Image 3 part 2 screenshot……………………………………………. 88 Image 4 ―Al Qaeda/as Sahab: Hafiz Usman & Adam Gadahn propaganda [English]‖ screenshot……………………………………………… 101 Image 5 ―The solution‖ screenshot…………………………………………. 129 Image 6 ―Al Qaeda recruits children‖ screenshot…………………………. 132 Image 7 ―Al-Qaeda leader on Obama‘s victory‖ screenshot………………. 133 Image 8 ―‗Gaza, not again‘ Al-Qaeda propaganda video‖ screenshot……... 137 Image 9 ―Ayman Dhawahiri—I have never been a member of Muslim brotherhood!‖ screenshot………………………………………… 146 Image 10 ―Adam Gadahn March 7, 2010 video with transcript‖ screenshot… 150 vii The Information Battlefield: Al-Qaeda’s Use of Advanced Media Technologies for Framed Messaging CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Message framing is used by a variety of organizations and is known by a variety of terms. Message framing in application to war is better known as propaganda, although that tie has conjured up a sinister tone since its prominent use in World War I. The tactic began innocently as a way to ensure the distribution of truthful information, but war planners twisted its meaning by exploiting its use on the battlefield. Propaganda has continued to be used within the realm of war and is evident today in the framed messages of Al-Qaeda videos. This thesis analyzes the ways in which Al-Qaeda has influenced public opinion by waging its own propaganda campaign against the United States, most notably since the attacks of September 11th. Al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden until his death in May 2011, has propagated framed messages with online videos to gain support of its cause. This study shows how precedents are visible in Al-Qaeda‘s messages in its current war against Western democratic ideas. Al-Qaeda is enlisting public relations to spread its framed messages across the globe, similar to regimes throughout history. The idea for this study was based on the author‘s personal interest in exploring Al-Qaeda‘s propaganda and intended audiences on a scholarly level. As a public affairs officer in the U.S. Air Force, having served a tour of duty in the Middle East, the author regularly dealt with providing information to reporters and analyzing news productions 1 regarding the conflicts with Al-Qaeda. With that experience, the author recognized the importance of viewing primary sources in their intended context. Propaganda‘s
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Interim Charge on Special Needs
    WRITTEN TESTIMONY SUBMITTED BY ANA YÁÑEZ-CORREA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TEXAS CRIMINAL JUSTICE COALITION REGARDING INTERIM CHARGE 4 HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CORRECTIONS APRIL 28, 2010 Texas Criminal Justice Coalition 1 April 28, 2010 TEXAS CRIMINAL JUSTICE COALITION The Texas Criminal Justice Coalition is committed to identifying and advancing real solutions to the problems facing Texas’ juvenile and criminal justice systems. We provide policy research and analysis, form effective partnerships, and educate key stakeholders to promote effective management, accountability, and best practices that increase public safety and preserve human and civil rights. Contact Information Ana Yáñez-Correa, Executive Director Phone: (w) 512-441-8123, ext. 109; (m) 512-587-7010 [email protected] www.criminaljusticecoalition.org/public_policy_center/interim_charges We would like to extend our appreciation to Ms. Molly Totman, J.D. for her invaluable research and editing assistance. Texas Criminal Justice Coalition 2 April 28, 2010 Dear Members of the Committee, My name is Ana Yáñez-Correa. I am the Executive Director of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to present testimony on Charge 4: “Examine policies and programs designed to identify, divert, and enhance the supervision and treatment of special needs offenders within local jails and state correctional facilities. Recommend changes to address appropriate alternatives to incarceration or institutionalization.” All too frequently, those suffering from mental illness become entangled in the criminal justice system for non-violent behaviors that are often manifestations of symptoms of their illness and circumstances. This testimony provides recommendations that can assist the Committee in its efforts to implement diversion strategies and other practices that will assist this population in receiving needed treatment, with a specific focus on those consuming beds in county jails.
    [Show full text]
  • HIZB UT-TAHRIR Islam’S Political Insurgency
    HIZB UT-TAHRIR Islam’s Political Insurgency Zeyno Baran The Nixon Center December 2004 About the Nixon Center The Nixon Center is a non-partisan public policy institution established by former President Richard Nixon shortly before his death in 1994. Committed to the analysis of policy challenges to the United States through the prism of the American national interest, the Center is a substantively and programmatically independent division of the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace Foundation. Major programs of The Nixon Center include the Chinese Studies Program, Immigration and National Security Forum, International Security and Energy Program, National Security Program, Regional Strategic Program, and U.S.- Russian Relations Program. Topics addressed by the Center’s programs range from U.S. relations with China and Russia to energy geopolitics in the Persian Gulf and Caspian Basin and European security issues. The Center is supported by the Nixon Library and Birthplace Foundation endowment as well as by foundation, corporate and individual donors. Copyright 2004 The Nixon Center. All Rights Reserved. “Hizb ut-Tahrir: Islam’s Political Insurgency” By Zeyno Baran The Nixon Center 1615 L Street, N.W., Suite 1250 Washington, DC 20036 Phone: (202) 887-1000 Fax: (202) 887-5222 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nixoncenter.org Editing, Layout and Design by Thomas M. Rickers Order from the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace Foundation 1-800-USA-8865 INTRODUCTORY NOTE This Nixon Center monograph, Hizb ut-Tahrir: Islam’s Political Insurgency, breaks new ground in exploring the danger posed by the spread of radical Islamist ideology. The focus of this monograph is Hizb ut-Tahrir al-Islamiyya (The Islamic Party of Liberation), which has successfully sown the seeds of an ideology encouraging a clash of civilizations in over forty countries.
    [Show full text]
  • Pan-Arabism and the United Arab Republic by Michael Habib
    Pan-Arabism and the United Arab Republic by Michael Habib A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of The Wilkes Honors College in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Concentration in History Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University Jupiter, Florida May 2016 Pan-Arabism and the United Arab Republic By Michael Habib This thesis was prepared under the direction of the candidate’s thesis advisor, Dr. Christopher Ely, and has been approved by the members of his supervisory committee. It was submitted to the faculty of The Honors College and was accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences. SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE: ___________________________ Dr. Christopher Ely ____________________________ Dr. Douglas McGetchin ______________________________ Dean Jeffrey Buller, Wilkes Honors College ____________ Date i ABSTRACT Author: Michael Habib Title: Pan-Arabism and the United Arab Republic Institution: Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University Thesis Advisor: Dr. Christopher Ely Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences Concentration: History Year: 2016 This thesis seeks to analyze Pan-Arabism through the lens of the United Arab Republic. I argue that even though the UAR faced many internal issues, it ultimately failed due to external pressures. I argue this to provide a new perspective on the Middle East and the Arab world, by showing how it came to be as it is. I organize my thesis into four chapters: I. Introduction: Arab Unity and its Limits, II. The Marriage of Syria and Egypt, III.
    [Show full text]
  • Abul A'la Maududi and Sayyed Qutb on Revolution: a Comparative Analysis
    AL-ADWA 47:32 43 Abul A'la Maududi and Sayyed Qutb.. Abul A'la Maududi and Sayyed Qutb on Revolution: A Comparative Analysis Munir Masood Marath* Revolution in terms of a change process has been subject to debate in occidental as well as in oriental intellectual and political circles alike. For instance, in the modern history, though revolution in terms of an instrument of instability was despicable to German philosopher Friedrich Hegel owing to a profound influence of Romanticism which in the wake of French Revolution, with the philosophical crutches provided by Edmond Burk and Hume overshadowed Rationalism but at the same time, he cherished the idea of revolution in terms of an agent of positive development of history on the basis of dialectics.1 He deserves rich tributes to present a logical conflict-model of opposite ideas which he terms as thesis and anti-thesis resulting in the emergence of a new idea which is synthesis of the good qualities of thesis and anti-thesis. In other words, he viewed conflict as a positive source of historical development and a medium of transferring positive qualities from one phase of history to another meaning thereby that conflict finds justification only if it helps to develop a better system than the existing one. If promise of a better order is imperative to justify the very genesis of a change process whether it is in the form of a conflict of ideas or a revolution, then the agents of the change process must look for a theory of change which may explain three important questions: one, what is the philosophical rationale and justification of revolution; two, what is the road-map of revolution; three, what will be the form of political structure replacing the older system.
    [Show full text]
  • Hizb Ut-Tahrir Ideology and Strategy
    HIZB UT-TAHRIR IDEOLOGY AND STRATEGY “The fierce struggle… between the Muslims and the Kuffar, has been intense ever since the dawn of Islam... It will continue in this way – a bloody struggle alongside the intellectual struggle – until the Hour comes and Allah inherits the Earth...” Hizb ut-Tahrir The Centre for Social Cohesion Houriya Ahmed & Hannah Stuart HIZB UT-TAHRIR IDEOLOGY AND STRATEGY “The fierce struggle… between the Muslims and the Kuffar, has been intense ever since the dawn of Islam... It will continue in this way – a bloody struggle alongside the intellectual struggle – until the Hour comes and Allah inherits the Earth...” Hizb ut-Tahrir The Centre for Social Cohesion Houriya Ahmed & Hannah Stuart Hizb ut-Tahrir Ideology and Strategy Houriya Ahmed and Hannah Stuart 2009 The Centre for Social Cohesion Clutha House, 10 Storey’s Gate London SW1P 3AY Tel: +44 (0)20 7222 8909 Fax: +44 (0)5 601527476 Email: [email protected] www.socialcohesion.co.uk The Centre for Social Cohesion Limited by guarantee Registered in England and Wales: No. 06609071 © The Centre for Social Cohesion, November 2009 All the Institute’s publications seek to further its objective of promoting human rights for the benefit of the public. The views expressed are those of the author, not of the Institute. Hizb ut-Tahrir: Ideology and Strategy By Houriya Ahmed and Hannah Stuart ISBN 978-0-9560013-4-4 All rights reserved The map on the front cover depicts Hizb ut-Tahrir’s vision for its Caliphate in ‘Islamic Lands’ ABOUT THE AUTHORS Houriya Ahmed is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Cohesion (CSC).
    [Show full text]
  • Political Islam: a 40 Year Retrospective
    religions Article Political Islam: A 40 Year Retrospective Nader Hashemi Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208, USA; [email protected] Abstract: The year 2020 roughly corresponds with the 40th anniversary of the rise of political Islam on the world stage. This topic has generated controversy about its impact on Muslims societies and international affairs more broadly, including how governments should respond to this socio- political phenomenon. This article has modest aims. It seeks to reflect on the broad theme of political Islam four decades after it first captured global headlines by critically examining two separate but interrelated controversies. The first theme is political Islam’s acquisition of state power. Specifically, how have the various experiments of Islamism in power effected the popularity, prestige, and future trajectory of political Islam? Secondly, the theme of political Islam and violence is examined. In this section, I interrogate the claim that mainstream political Islam acts as a “gateway drug” to radical extremism in the form of Al Qaeda or ISIS. This thesis gained popularity in recent years, yet its validity is open to question and should be subjected to further scrutiny and analysis. I examine these questions in this article. Citation: Hashemi, Nader. 2021. Political Islam: A 40 Year Keywords: political Islam; Islamism; Islamic fundamentalism; Middle East; Islamic world; Retrospective. Religions 12: 130. Muslim Brotherhood https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12020130 Academic Editor: Jocelyne Cesari Received: 26 January 2021 1. Introduction Accepted: 9 February 2021 Published: 19 February 2021 The year 2020 roughly coincides with the 40th anniversary of the rise of political Islam.1 While this trend in Muslim politics has deeper historical and intellectual roots, it Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral was approximately four decades ago that this subject emerged from seeming obscurity to with regard to jurisdictional claims in capture global attention.
    [Show full text]
  • The Power of Ideas. the Influence of Hassan Al-Banna and Sayyid Qutb on the Muslim Brotherhood Organization1
    Przegl¹d Strategiczny 2015, nr 8 Ronnie AZOULAY DOI 10.14746/ps.2015.1.12 Israel National Water Company “Mekorot” THE POWER OF IDEAS. THE INFLUENCE OF HASSAN AL-BANNA AND SAYYID QUTB ON THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD ORGANIZATION1 This article examines the conceptions of the political thoughts of Hassan al-Banna and Sayyid Qutb, two of the most important Arab theorists of the Muslim world during the twentieth century. They are often considered as Islamists or radical Islamists. While al-Banna was the theoretician of the Muslim Brotherhood and is represented by the mainstream of the Muslim Brotherhood, Qutb’s writings are represented by the militant Islam movements. This article also attempts to account for some of the differences be- tween the two theorists’ views. The article aspires to widen the spectrum of political science and give insight to Western knowledge. In addition, this article focuses on the most significant ideas of Hassan al-Banna and Sayyid Qutb, what similarities and dif- ferences exist, what each leader’s contribution has been, and how these ideas continue to affect the Muslim Brotherhood movement until today. MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD – BACKGROUND Following the deep ideological crisis within the Muslim world during the nineteenth century, thinkers such as al-Afghani (1839–1897), Muhammad Abduh (1849–1905) and Rashid Rida (1865–1935) attempted to find creative solutions that would rescue the Muslim world from the superiority of the West. Rashid Rida developed the concept that a great disaster has fallen upon the Islamic world due to Salafist theory being neglected. Consequently, Rida developed a new theory based on the writings of Ibn Taymiyya, stating that the only way to strengthen the Islamic world is to return to its greatness.
    [Show full text]
  • Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S
    Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy (name redacted) Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs January 12, 2017 Congressional Research Service 7-.... www.crs.gov RL30588 Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy Summary The United States, partner countries, and the Afghan government are attempting to reverse recent gains made by the resilient Taliban-led insurgency since the December 2014 transition to a smaller international mission consisting primarily of training and advising the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). The Afghan government has come under increasing domestic criticism not only for failing to prevent insurgent gains but also for its internal divisions. In September 2014, the United States brokered a compromise to address a dispute over the 2014 presidential election, but a September 2016 deadline was not met for enacting election reforms and deciding whether the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position might be elevated to a prime ministership in a restructured government. The progress of the Afghan government in reducing corruption and implementing its budgetary and other commitments was assessed by an international meeting on Afghanistan during October 4-5, in Brussels, as sufficient to merit continued international assistance. And, in late 2016, the government adopted the requisite measures to, at the very least, move forward with new parliamentary elections. The number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which peaked at about 100,000 in 2011, is about 9,800, of which most are assigned to the 13,000-person NATO-led “Resolute Support Mission” that trains, assists, and advises the ANDSF. About 2,000 of the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • New Trends in Global Broadcasting: "Nuestro Norte Es El Sur” (Our North Is the South)
    Orayb Najjar Associate Professor Dept. of Communication Northern Illinois University DeKalb, IL 60115 New Trends in Global Broadcasting: "Nuestro Norte es el Sur” (Our North is the South) Abstract Using Pierre Bourdieu’s Field Theory, especially the concept of the interconvertability of cultural, economic, political and media capital, I examine the rise of regional and global centers of broadcasting that seek to compete with the CNN and the BBC, namely, TeleSUR of Latin America, Al-Jazeera Arabic, and Al-Jazeera International (AI) of Qatar (launched worldwide on November 15, 2006). I also describe the Latin American and Arab questioning of the inevitability of following “the Anglo- 2 Saxon” model of “commercialization, depolitization and trivialization of news.” I examine the countermeasures the U.S., British and French governments are taking to fend off this regional and global competition from Latin American and Arab media.1 I conclude that diversity and the expansion of the news pie is a healthy phenomenon that is bound to help serious news gathering and reporting worldwide against the rising trend of infotainment that has started to taint serious news dissemination in the United States. New Trends in Global Broadcasting: "Nuestro Norte es el Sur” (Our North is the South) “Television is a window on the world. But if you are sitting in Latin America, that window is more likely to be facing Baghdad than Buenes Aires. Or show Michael Jackson instead of Mexico City. Or offer a clearer view of Ukraine’s Orange Revolution than the one in Ecuador last month. Those networks do not cover regional news, like CNN Espanol, based in Atlanta, or Spain’s TVE, are often considered US or Eurocentric, with pundits sitting in Washington or Madrid.
    [Show full text]
  • NOMINEES for the 39Th ANNUAL NEWS & DOCUMENTARY EMMY
    NOMINEES FOR THE 39th ANNUAL NEWS & DOCUMENTARY EMMY® AWARDS ANNOUNCED Paula S. Apsell of PBS’ NOVA to be honored with Lifetime Achievement Award October 1st Award Presentation at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in NYC New York, N.Y. – July 26, 2018 (revised 10.16.18) – Nominations for the 39th Annual News and Documentary Emmy® Awards were announced today by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). The News & Documentary Emmy Awards will be presented on Monday, October 1st, 2018, at a ceremony at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in the Time Warner Complex at Columbus Circle in New York City. The event will be attended by more than 1,000 television and news media industry executives, news and documentary producers and journalists. “New technologies are opening up endless new doors to knowledge, instantly delivering news and information across myriad platforms,” said Adam Sharp, interim President& CEO, NATAS. “With this trend comes the immense potential to inform and enlighten, but also to manipulate and distort. Today we honor the talented professionals who through their work and creativity defend the highest standards of broadcast journalism and documentary television, proudly providing the clarity and insight each of us needs to be an informed world citizen.” In addition to celebrating this year’s nominees in forty-nine categories, the National Academy is proud to be honoring Paula S. Apsell, Senior Executive Director of PBS’ NOVA, at the 39th News & Documentary Emmy Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her many years of science broadcasting excellence.
    [Show full text]
  • CIA Aircraft Shell Companies; FAA Notices 119,000 Unregistered
    CIA Aircraft Shell Companies; FAA notices 119,000 unregistered aircraft for epic drugflight lols; Afghan drug informant/patsy blamed; Evergreen Dispersant Chemtrails; DEA rents plane from drug traffickers for total win in Fake War on Drugs Submitted by HongPong on Mon, 2010-12-13 09:03 via Evergreen B747 Supertanker™ : The World’s Fastest, Largest Aerial Firefighting And Multi-Use Application Vehicle Going back to 2005:C.I.A. Expanding Terror Battle Under Guise of Charter Flights - New York Times While posing as a private charter outfit - "aircraft rental with pilot" is the listing in Dun and Bradstreet - Aero Contractors is in fact a major domestic hub of the Central Intelligence Agency's secret air service. The company was founded in 1979 by a legendary C.I.A. officer and chief pilot for Air America, the agency's Vietnam-era air company, and it appears to be controlled by the agency, according to former employees. Behind a surprisingly thin cover of rural hideaways, front companies and shell corporations that share officers who appear to exist only on paper, the C.I.A. has rapidly expanded its air operations since 2001 as it has pursued and questioned terrorism suspects around the world. An analysis of thousands of flight records, aircraft registrations and corporate documents, as well as interviews with former C.I.A. officers and pilots, show that the agency owns at least 26 planes, 10 of them purchased since 2001. The agency has concealed its ownership behind a web of seven shell corporations that appear to have no employees and no function apart from owning the aircraft.
    [Show full text]
  • Syllabus for Ce 395 U.2
    The University of Texas at Austin Fall 2011 Department of Middle Eastern Studies Course: Aljazeera: the Voice of the Voiceless Prerequisites: None Instructor and Moderator: Mohammad A. Mohammad Office: WMB 5.142 Email: [email protected] Meetings: Lecture: 12:30‐2:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, MAI 220C Office Hours: MW 1:00‐2:00 Or by appointment “If there's one channel in the Arab world much talked about, alternately lauded and bashed by various commentators in both the West and the Arab world, it's Al‐Jazeera. Pre‐September 11 (and pre‐bin Laden tapes and exclusive Afghanistan coverage) western writers largely praised the channel for its open and independent coverage; the Arab world, although they were hanging on every talk show, often denounced the channel as being pro‐Israel, pro‐West, anti‐Arab. But with the airing of Al‐Jazeera's exclusive bin Laden videos, the tables were turned. The US administration pressured the emir of Qatar to "rein in" the channel, while Arab viewers praised the Al‐Jazeera as "the voice of truth" about the war in Afghanistan.” The Arabic channel has been described as “CIA agent”, “Zionist agent”, “Alqaeda agent”, “anti‐Semitic”, and many other contradictory charges. With the exception of Qatar and Lebanon, the channel’s offices were closed at one time or another in all the Arab countries. Currently, its bureau chief in Morocco is on trial for some transgression. In the relatively short period of ten years, Aljazeera emerged as the most watched media outlet in the Arab world. It is today one of the most valuable media trademarks in the world.
    [Show full text]