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If you haven’t noticed yet, this is how our media map is getting shaped:

• EU blocks Hezbollah TV broadcasts in Europe.
• Under pressure, Qatar may sell Aljazeera station.
• And, al Arabiya has pretty clearly become what al Hurra was supposed to be - a popular satellite station which pushes a pro-American line. (quote: abuaardvark)

Dear poor Arab viewer,

Please enjoy +100 non “Reality TV” shows and “Music Channels”. Not to forget the “Text Messaging Channels”. You can meet your future mate over there. If not, at least you can waste your time and money doing something “Peacful” and “Civilised”, you know.

Now, waste no more time. Do your shopping early, and bring all what you don’t need for a monthly supply of nuts, chips, drinks, etc…

Have a nice evening. Good Night!

What is Reality and what is Not Reality? Please add the term “Reality TV” to your dictionary. Remember “Don’t Say � Say Dictionary”?

Reality is not the torture of Abu Gharib. Reality is MBC 4’s “Celibrity Survivor Show” and “Joe the Millionaire”.

Reality is not the slogans and badges lifted in the Lebanon-Syria conflict. Reality is the “I want to meet a nice looking girl in Jeddah” text messaging on “TXT” and “Tasliya” channels.

Reality it not Aljazeera or Al Manar (with my reservation on both) TV news. Reality is CBS news and “Good Morning America” show!

Reality is not Iqra or Al Hayat channels. Reality is Rotana and Mazzika.

I would not have been so sad if the Internet penetration in the Middle East was good. It could have been an alternative source of media. However facts are pathatic. 11% penetration of Middle East total population, comparing to 31% in Europe and 66% in North America. And M.E. users are no more of 2.1% of world users, comparing to 29% for Europe and 27% for North America.

Welcome Back to The Stone Age!!