Meadna News August 5 2007

Al Jazeera English has turned to internet in an attempt to crack to American viewers after its free offer to cable companies across America was rejected by every major providers. The FT reported Al Jazeera has been much more successful, receiving 2 million hits on YouTube. More than half of YouTube’s traffic comes from America.

Al Jazeera English was only launched last year, but it reaches to 90 million homes worldwide of which less than 1 per cent is in America. This figure reflects the hostile reaction towards the channel by politicians and cable providers that have kept the door closed.  

The FT quoted Cliff Kinkaid, the president of Accuracy in Media saying “America is fighting a war and al-jazeera works for the enemy.” While ABC former correspondent, David Marash said “Frequently people will call the police when we’re out there doing reporting in America.”

The FT is not the only one to report the beginning of the break down of the barriers, Star television critic Aaron Barnhart wrote that viewers have figured out how to get around the cable providers by watching Al Jazeera English on YouTube at a rate of over 70,000 clips per week. People can also subscribe through Real.com.