CPD Director interviewed on WBEZ about Alhurra and public diplomacy challenges

CPD Director Philip Seib discusses the public diplomacy implications of the US-government sponsored satellite television station in the Middle East, Alhurra.

Seib, who in 2008 published the findings of research on Alhurra television programming, traced the development of the station since 2004. Then, the purpose of the station was to "counter acrimony that arose from US invasion of Iraq," a goal that was not entirely successful. Alhurra's news coverage has since strengthened, with improved coverage of the Arab Spring. The key now, Seib said, is to ensure that the content is honest journalism-- not propaganda-- for the United States has an opportunity to serve as an "exemplar" of free, open media.

To listen to the full interview, please click here.

To read the Center's report on Alhurra, please click here.