The Image of Iran in the daily Arabic newspapers Comparative An Analytical Study

Abstract

Abstract This study aims at identifying the media image of Iran in the Arabic daily newspapers, and getting to know the quality of the topics used in addressing issues related to Iran. The study also aims at identifying the newspapers’ attitudes in its media coverage, and the impact of editorial policy on the method of addressing these issues, through analyzing the content of the topics related to Iran in the newspapers subject to this study (Alithad in UAE, Al-Ahram in Egypt, Alakhbar in Lebanon, SawtAlaharar in Algeria), during the period from 1/1/2014 to 1/6/2015. This is a descriptive study that uses the survey studies approach. The researcher used the content analysis method and the mutual relations approach where he used the systematic comparison approach. The researcher also depended on Agenda Setting Theory and used the content analysis form as a study tool. The most important findings of the study: The negative image of Iran came in the first place in the Al-Ahram newspaper with a percentage of (63.7%) and Alithad Newspaper in UAE by a percentage of (35.1%). This is encountered by a positive image in the newspapers, SawtAlahararin Algeria with a percentage of (44.8%), and Al-Akhbar Newspaper in Lebanon by a percentage of (44.2%). Iran as an enemy state was reflected in Al-Ahram Egyptian newspaper with a percentage of (31.9%), and in Alithadnewspaperwith a percentage of (28.5%). Contrary to this Iran's image in SawtAlahrar newspaper was reflected as friendly and peaceful state bya percentage of (31.6%), and in AlakhbarLebanese newspaper by a percentage of (27.6% ). The most important recommendations of the study: There is a need to Increase interest in the interpretive and analytical forms when addressing the topics related to Iran for its depth, briefing, analysis, and ability to reach results and make suggestions and solutions.It is not enoughto use the narrative without explanation and analysis.