Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000387/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)
A number of news networks have been accused of presenting different content in the EU and their countries of origin, with the intention of manipulating Europeans. Studies have identified differences in political tone between Al Jazeera’s English-language and Arabic-language channels, as well as between Arabic and non-Arabic speakers. These differences are evident in terms of content selection, presentation and editorial position. For example, studies comparing the network’s coverage of the US-Al Qaeda conflict found that the Arabic-language website often presented more critical views, while the English-language website adopted a rather neutral tone.
In addition, Al Jazeera English takes a different approach to the Arabic-language channel, with differences in tone, topic selection and overall coverage. These differences suggest that Al Jazeera adapts its content to meet the distinct needs of its English-speaking and Arab-speaking audiences, resulting in variations in political tone and coverage. Similar complaints have been made about the Turkish broadcaster TRT, which the Turkish Government is trying to use as a tool of social and political manipulation on Turkish people located in the EU.
Does the Commission have a strategy to effectively address these differences and to enhance the accountability of large news networks operating within the EU?
Submitted: 28.1.2025