La estructura de la información en Arabia Saudí en el contexto del sistema mediático en los países árabes

Abstract

This doctoral dissertation studies the media system of the Arab countries. The research uses the structural approach and the Political Economy of Communication (PEC) methodology to delve into the structure of information defined in the twenty-two Arab countries. Our main hypothesis is that Arab media is interwoven in a network of political and economic powers that follow the patterns dictated by the West. Thus, large conglomerates and communication groups have focused their attention on the Arab market, which is still unexploited in order to expand their influence and legitimize themselves. Likewise, Arab media is shaped by the religious power, a distinctive mark of this part of the world, which has made the religious and political-religious movements see a vehicle of extension and reinforcement of their cause in the media. To demonstrate the problem of this study, we have analyzed the structure of the twentytwo Arab countries, emphasizing the Gulf countries and more specifically Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s undeniable leadership over the region has made it one of the countries more prolific to media control, either through the State or through powerful magnates, members of the royal family and religious leaders. The conclusion that has been drawn is that Arab media structure is inserted in the dynamics of the world media structure as another branch that needs to strengthen to survive and legitimize itself. Arab media also presents a heterogeneity less present in media system of other parts of the world, given that the political, social, religious, economic and cultural contexts have shaped a media landscape with its own personality.