Forum Responsible Freedom: The Arab States’ Charter for Satellite Broadcasting

Abstract

Earlier this year, Arab ministers of information, with the exception of Qatar, adopted a charter calling for regulation of satellite television broadcasting after an extensive public debate. Qatar, the home of Al Jazeera, did not reject the charter but has requested additional time to review the document. One of the articles in the charter generated a great deal of debate and controversy from a number of international media watchdog organizations, which expressed concern that the charter’s perceived restrictions on the freedom of expression could be used to suppress independent and critical media voices that are essential to the growth of civil society and democracy.