Akhbar
The Quarterly Voice of
I’lam, Media Center for Arab Palestinians in Israel
Issues Four & Five
Uncovering the Vox Popula of Arab
Citizens
On 17 May 2005, some 180 Arab and Jewish
journalists, as well as representatives of
foreign embassies, media academics and
students, representatives of NGOs and the
general public attended I’lam’s presentation on
“Patterns of Media Consumption and
Perceptions of Media Reliability in Arab Society
in Israel,” held in Nazareth.
Opening remarks delivered by I’lam Director
Haneen Zoubi underlined the importance of
the totality of the research project, not only to
the local and national media, but to the Arab
society in Israel at large.
Dr. Amal Jamal, head researcher for the
project, reviewed some of the more striking
elements to emerge from the research data,
touching on how education, gender, identity,
and religious and political attitudes influence
media consumption patterns, and how
popularity of the media does not always reflect
upon its reliability.
Some of the findings: Arabs in Israel are heavy
consumers of a broad range of media. A
sizable percentage of the Arab population
reads local Arabic newspapers, listens to both
Arab and Hebrew radio broadcasts, and
watches Hebrew television channels alongside
Arabic channels broadcasting from the Arab
world. One of the unexpected results was that
commercial Arabic newspapers enjoy higher
rates of consumption than party-affiliated
newspapers. The reasons given by
respondents are availability and habit more
than the supposed perceived objectivity or
independence.
As regards the Hebrew media, the data
indicates low levels of daily Hebrew newspaper
consumption. While Yediot Ahronot is the most
heavily consumed newspaper, Haaretz enjoys
the highest levels of perceived reliability,
trusted by the highest number of Arab readers.
Further, Arab media consumers do not see the
Hebrew media as representing them (58.4%),
but rather the position of the Israeli
Akhbar: The Quarterly Voice of I’lam / Issues Four & Five
‫أر‬
January & April 2005
establishment (64%). Moreover, 49% of those
surveyed expressed their dissatisfaction with
the Hebrew coverage of the Arab society.
Arab society takes advantage of developments
in electronic media, particularly in the increase
of Arab channels broadcasting via satellite,
being the most popular choice Al-Jazeera.
Commentary on the data, presented by
Mustafa Kabaha, Media Lecturer at the Open
University and Yemek Izraeel College and Yariv
Tsfati, Professor at Haifa University, raised
minor critiques. Yariv Tsafati called for Jewish-
Arab collaboration in conducting a comparative
study held simultaneously as he emphasized
the dynamism characterizing societal
perceptions. Both, however, underlined and
acknowledged the revolutionary importance of
the research as the first thoroughly
comprehensive, non-commercial, academic
research project of its kind, focusing on issues
of media consumption and its relationship to
identity amongst Arab citizens of Israel.
Audience feedback during the discussion
period, and at points during the presentations
was lively, and at times even controversial. Dr.
Jamal put special attention to detail the
impartiality of his data collection process and
cautioned against the misuse or
misrepresentation of the data presented. He
also encouraged others to make use of the raw
data to conduct more detailed academic
studies on specific issues, for example, gender
and its relationship to media consumption.
Findings are to be presented to the public and
compiled into comprehensive reports. This
research is part of the “Responsible and
Professional Media” project. ◊
Further Research on its Way
The second part of the research project, an
objective diagnosis of the current state of the
Hebrew and Arabic media landscapes, initiated
in 2004, is progressing steadily.
Monitoring of the Hebrew and Arabic media will
be shortly finished.
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“Arabs Drop Viewer Ratings”: Setting
the Picture Right through our Media
Rights Program
A main aim of I’lam’s work is to increase
Arab representation and number of Arab
workers at all channels (Ch 1, 2, 10 and
the companies involved) and media
institutions (such as the Israeli
Broadcasting Authority, and the Second
Broadcasting Authority). To facilitate the
achievement of this goal, I’lam gathers
data to assess the situation and
shortcomings to be addressed, prepares
position papers, and submits lists of Arab
human resources that could be included /
employed in these media institutions.
I’lam then arranges meetings with the
responsible authorities / bodies to present
our position and follow-up on
developments. In cases where there is a
discrepancy between legal obligations and
on-the-ground developments, I’lam
initiates legal steps.
A disturbing revelation came out of one
such meeting with representatives of
current franchise holders and companies
that participated in the tender process for
Channel 2. Company representatives
openly stated that putting Arabs on
screen would result in a drop in viewer
ratings.
I’lam countered that this assumption on
the attitude of the audience is a
consequence of the continuous absence of
Arabs on the screen, underlining the
importance of changing this unbalanced
media culture. In addition, ratings
amongst the Arab viewership would no
doubt rise with an increase in Arab
visibility in the media, offsetting any
potential losses.
The question of why Arab employees are
not employed in positions behind the
scenes also remains unanswered by this
concern for a drop in ratings, as
expressed by company representatives.
I’lam therefore insisted on the
employment of Arab camera, sound, and
light people, directors, editors, and other
media professionals for work behind the
cameras after delivering a list of Arab
Akhbar: The Quarterly Voice of I’lam / Issues Four & Five
media human resources for consideration
and is following developments closely.
In the case of the Second Broadcasting
Authority (SBA), negotiations have given
way to legal action. In the regulations of
the SBA as regards the percentage of
programs, broadcasting schedules, and
the requirements for the hiring of
professional and administrative staff,
I’lam found clear evidence of policies and
practices that oppose the Human Dignity
and Liberty Basic Law. This law
incorporates the equality principle as
underlined by the 1994 Supreme Court
panel ruling.
Following nine months of intensive
negotiations, including 13 meetings and
heavy correspondence with the
responsible authorities, we concluded that
the SBA is willing to accept the negative
implications of their discriminatory and
undemocratic policies for the sake of
being loyal to a particular ideological
point-of-view that totally excludes the
rights, needs and concerns of the Arab
society in Israel. Since other more
conciliatory approaches and means have
been exhausted, we believe that it is only
through legal challenges that this body
will be compelled to change its policies.
This inflexibility of the part of a large and
influential media actor is alarming in light
of a clear trend from the government
towards more oppressive and
discriminatory policies affecting the Arab
citizens of Israel. In addition, we are
witnessing a clear increase in anti-
democratic trends regarding the Arab
citizens in Israeli society, as illustrated in
recent public opinion polls.
I’lam is preparing a court appeal
challenging regulations of the SBA on the
grounds that they violate basic democratic
values of equality and collective rights. In
our appeal, I’lam will demand the
implementation of the Human Dignity and
Liberty Basic Law. We estimate that the
appeal, being launched together with
Adalah and nine Jewish Israelis, will go to
court in June 2005. ◊
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Arab Journalists meet International Building Bridges between Journalists
Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
A lively debate and discussion came out of
On 18 April, Hans Verploeg, General a meeting in Jerusalem on 14 February
Secretary of the Nederlandse Vereniging between twelve Arab and foreign
van Journalisten, and Jonathan Tasini, journalists.
President of the Economic Future Group,
The meeting covered both theoretical and
both representing the International
practical aspects of journalism in the
Federation of Journalists (IFJ), met with
region. The theoretical topics covered
13 journalists from the Arabic local media
included the role of journalism, the
in Nazareth. Emphasis was given to major
expectations of the Arab society from the
problems encountered by Arab journalists
international media, and the difference
in Israel.
between news values, PR events, and
The discussion covered internal issues - media events. The practical part focused
such as the lack of specialization amongst on the way in which I’lam can provide
Arab journalists, who are often required to foreign journalists with alternative sources
edit political editorials one hour, while of information and support in their work.
covering entertainment news in the next -
The discussion that unfolded around
and external problems, stemming from,
theoretical issues was very interesting and
for example, the role played by
controversial. While Arab journalists
government advertising disbursements
stressed the fact that there is a lack of
(Lapam) in prohibiting the development of
coverage of issues related to Arab citizens
a strong and free Arab press. The local
of Israel in the foreign media, foreign
Arabic media is generally highly
journalists emphasized that they have
dependent, both economically and
other priorities, and criticized the lack of
otherwise, on Israeli governmental
initiative and visibility amongst Arabs in
institutions and private companies, that
Israel.
tend not to address themselves to Arabic
society at all, allocating a mere 1 – 1.5% Consequently Arab journalists stressed
of the total advertising budget towards that there are crucial and newsworthy
the targeting of this society. issues that do not need special packaging
or framing in order to be covered by the
Participants agreed that fostering
foreign media. This is the case with issues
professionalism must be coupled with an
such as the new constitution, the
individual and collective decision on the
continuous policy of land confiscation and
part of Arab media actors at all levels, to
house demolition, and official policies
end the economic dependency on Israeli
towards the Arab citizens of Israel.
public and private advertising monies.
Hence the need to foster and develop Conversely, Arab journalists did
independent resources in order to acknowledge the need to present the
adequately finance Arab media issues concerning Arab society in a more
institutions. A multi-day follow-up session effective way to the media. ◊
with the IFJ that specifically addresses
some of the issues raised by the
journalists is currently in the works. ◊

Land Day Tour for Journalists

Yet another tour for journalists was held on 26 March, as part of Yom El Ard (Land Day
30 March) activities. About 40 primarily Arab journalists attended the tour that visited
many villages in the Upper Galilee, populated by internally displaced refugees of the
1948 war. The tour aimed to empower the journalists by providing them with hands-on
knowledge of the situation facing Arab citizens of Israel today. ◊

Akhbar: The Quarterly Voice of I’lam / Issues Four & Five 3

Next Stop, Sakhnin
In December 2004, I’lam’s third tour for
journalists was held in and around the
Galilean town of Sakhnin, whose Arab
inhabitants are subject to the Israeli
government’s discriminatory land policies.
Ten foreign journalists - from Europe,
Asia and Australia - were joined by twelve
local Arab journalists. The group was
welcomed by Dr. Gazal Aboraia,
spokesperson for the municipality, and
enjoyed a series of talks given by Dr.
Hanna Swead from the Alternative
Planning Center, amongst others.
Later the journalists visited the Terdion
industrial area that lies on land that
belongs to Sakhnin, but whose taxes are
paid to the neighbouring (and
surrounding) Misgav municipality. They
also stopped at the house of Ali Izbidat,
which has been rendered ‘illegal’ by
arbitrary and unilateral land demarcations
made by the municipality of Misgav on
the outskirts of Sakhnin.
Journalists listening to an explanation of the
situation in Sakhnin. Image: Ali Sharp
Participant feedback on the tour was
positive, deeming it an important and
worthwhile excursion. This was
particularly so for foreign journalists who
generally tend to file their stories from
TelAviv or Jerusalem. ◊
3 May – Commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day
I’lam is pleased to announce that we have reached the one-year anniversary of our “Responsible
and Professional Media” Project, funded by the European Union under the Initiative for Democracy
and Human Rights and Supported by the Swiss Federal Department for Foreign Affairs. ◊
Akhbar: The Quarterly Voice of I’lam / Issues Four & Five
Mission Statement
I’lam, a Media Center for Arab Palestinians
in Israel, is a non-profit organization based
in Nazareth. I’lam was founded in 2000, by a
group of Arab journalists and academics. As
the only Arab Palestinian media organization
in Israel, I’lam is deeply committed to the
democratization of media policies, media
practices, and the media landscape in Israel.
Our approach is two-fold:
The Media Rights Program supports
impartiality, fairness, and equity in Israeli
media policy, in conformity with democratic
values. Furthermore, we encourage Israeli
media institutions and practitioners to adopt
more professional, unbiased standards in
their coverage of the Arab citizens of Israel.
In our Empowerment Program, we aim to
empower Arab society, particularly Arab
journalists, by promoting equal access to the
Israeli media, by encouraging the free flow
of information and representation at media
bodies and institutions, and through the
fostering of professional standards.
With its commitment to media democracy,
expertise, professionalism, and the high
level of staff motivation, I’lam contributes
to the invigoration of civil society, and the
promotion of democracy and human rights in
Israel. ◊
I’lam, Media Center for Arab Palestinians
in Israel
Director: Haneen Zoubi
Newsletter Editors: Heidi Paredes, Leila Kanj
POB 101, 16000 Nazareth
Tel. +972-4-6001370, Fax. +972-4-6001370
ilam@ilamcenter.org, www.ilamcenter.org
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Training Courses at I’lam
The Intensive Training Course for
journalists concluded after 15 sessions
totaling 100 hours. Fifteen Arab
journalists, including four women, from
across the country were able to hone
their skills and discuss issues that affect
their daily work in a professional
environment. Topics covered included
censorship, human rights, ethics, legal
issues, history, documentary script-
writing, story selection, information
resources, and the defining of quality
investigative journalism. The graduation
ceremony was held in Nazareth on 11
March 2005. Congratulations to all who
participated!
A ten session touch-typing course that
began on April 2005 continues to speed
up the fingers of those that report news
for the Arab citizens of Israel.
An English-language training course,
took place over the course of five
sessions in the month of March. The aim
was to evaluate and build upon the
English-language capacities of Arab
journalists in attendance, in order to
equip them with the necessary skills to
interview and attend press conferences in
English.
On 27 April 2005, fifty students from a
Kfar Karea’ school attended a 2 ½-hour
session at I’lam, as part of course studies
on the effects of violence. Kholod Masalha
facilitated interactive presentations on the
role of I’lam in monitoring incitement
against Arab citizens of Israel in the
media. Leila Kanj introduced students to
film productions made at I’lam: Lama
Zafouck (When they Clap), on the subject
of the popular demonstrations and police
violence responsible for the killing of 13
Arabs in October 2000, and a series of
short reports produced by Arab
Palestinian adolescents on subjects like
the confiscation of school lands in
Sakhnin, by the Municipality of Misgav.
Human Rights and Media
I’lam was the proud host of a seminar
held on 5 November 2004 that focused on
Akhbar: The Quarterly Voice of I’lam / Issues Four & Five
“The Importance of International Law to
Journalists.”
More than 20 Arab journalists were
introduced to the subject by I’lam director
Haneen Zoubi. Sonia Boulos from ACRI
(Association for Civil Rights in Israel)
gave an extensive explanation of the role
of international law in journalistic
reporting.
Nitzan Herowitz, editor at Channel 10
News, gave his position about how
journalists should report when
governments or military do not abide by
international law and reviewed
documented examples of journalistic
reporting on the misdeeds of soldiers.
As his presentation was controversial and
did not find consensus among
participants, a lively debate about these
issues closed off the day’s events.
Ha’aretz journalist Amira Hass, well
known reporter at Ha’aretz conducted a
workshop on 7 February 2005 at the I’lam
Center on “The Israeli Media Covering
Occupation and Violations of Human
Rights.” About 20 Arab journalists
attended the workshop.
Capacity Building for NGOs
On March 10 a capacity building session
for Arab NGOs. Wadea Awawdy, board
member and journalist, presented a
general introduction about coverage of
Arab citizens in the Hebrew media.
Hereafter, Orit Agami from Agenda (the
Israeli Center for Strategic
Communications) facilitated a workshop
on how to frame and write an
effective press release so as to have it
picked up by the media. Finally, Eli
Ashkanazy, reporter at Haaretz, gave
practical information on how to sell a
story to journalists. This activity was
attended by 45 participants, most of them
women.
On 8 April 2005 Nihad Bika’i and Dr.
Isma’il Nashef gave presentations on
changes in the role of political caricature
and photography in the Arab-Israeli
conflict. This activity was open to the
public and attended by 30 participants. ◊
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 U p d a t e s
Training Workshop in Cairo
As part of ongoing capacity building efforts
amongst I’lam staff, Maysaa Abu Elhaija
attended a training course conducted by IFEX
(International Freedom of Expression
eXchange), held in Cairo between 17 March
and 20 March. The 3-day workshop focused on
how to mount a rapid response across global
networks when faced with violations of
journalists’ rights.
Demonstration for Tayseer Allouni
One of I’lam’s aims is to encourage and foster
connections and solidarity between Arab
journalists and the wider international
community of journalists. To this end, a
solidarity demonstration, attended by some 30
Arab journalists, was held outside the Spanish
Embassy in Tel Aviv on 4 March 2005, to
petition for the release of al-Jazeera journalist
Tayseer Allouni. Tayseer was imprisoned by
the Spanish authorities in September 2003,
accused of providing financial support to al-
Qaeda, while working diligently as a journalist
in Afghanistan to document civilian casualties
in American-led “war on terror.” Tayseer was
released from prison to house arrest on 17
March 2005, due to his deteriorating health
situation. On 23 April 2005, he was
temporarily released from the house arrest,
pending the commencement of trial on 11 May
2005.
Book Launching
Dr. Mustafa Kabaha, an academic and board
member of I’lam, held a book launch in
Nazareth on 12 December 2004. The book is
written in Arabic, and the title roughly
translates as ‘The Journalist under the Eye of
Censorship’. The launch was held in
conjunction with Mada al-Carmel (Arab Center
for Applied Social Research). Anyone
interested in purchasing a copy of this book is
invited to call or email I’lam’s office.
European Visitors at I’lam
On 5 November 2004, a group of five young
German journalists visited I’lam. They were
interested to learn about the situation of Arab
citizens of Israel, especially the lives of Arab
youth. A group of women activists from
Germany, France and Switzerland also visited
I’lam on 18 March 2005.
New staff
I’lam is happy to welcome Wael Awad to our
Production Center, and Research and
Development volunteer Leila Kanj.
Akhbar: The Quarterly Voice of I’lam / Issues Four & Five
Conferences Past
I’lam’s General Director Haneen Zoubi
attended and presented at relevant media
conferences recently. She gave a lecture
entitled ‘Media and Conflict Resolution’ at the
9th International Conference, “Media and Civic
Discourse: Citizenship and Democracy” in
Cairo in November. Also in November, Ms.
Zoubi attended the World Summit on the
Information Society (WSIS) follow-up event,
“Role and Place of Media in the Information
Society in Africa and the Arab States” in
Marrakech, Morocco.
I’lam’s Development Director Heidi Paredes
also attended the WSIS Prep-Com 2
conference in February in Geneva.
Annual Report 2004
I’lam’s Annual Report 2004 is available for
reading and review. Any organization or
individual interested in acquiring a copy should
send us an email at ilamcenter@yahoo.com. ◊
BOARD
Mr. Mustafa Abdel Halim, Journalist/ News
Director as-Shams radio
Mr. Wadea Awawdy, Journalist/ Author
Mr. Ghassan Bsol, Journalist
Ms. Nahed Dirbas, Journalist as-Shams Radio
Mr. Marzouk Halabi, Director of Arab Cultural
Association/ Columnist
Ms. Sanaa Hammoud, al-Arabiyya
Correspondant
Mr. Mustafa Kabaha, Ph.D, Media Lecturer at
the Open Univeristy and Yemek Izraeel College
Mr. Anton Shalhat, Journalist/Editor.
Ms. Shereen Younis, Abu Dhabi TV
Correspondant
STAFF
Haneen Zoubi, General Director
Heidi Paredes, Development Director
Kholod Masalha, Program Coordinator
Maysaa Abu Elhaija, Media Rights Coordinator
Wael Awad, Production Center Coordinator
Dr. Amal Jamal, Researcher
Yathreb Zoubi, Media Monitoring Staff/
Administrative Assistant
Rana Fahoum, Media Monitoring Staff
Suad Abid Zoubi, Media Monitoring Staff
Noah Perg, Media Monitoring Staff
Hanna Shamas, Coordinator Co-financing
Project/Freelance Trainer
Leila Kanj, Research and Development
Izzat Shlon, External Accountant
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