ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the complex intersections between Arab youth, satellite broadcasting and informal education in the Arab region, with particular focus on the extent to which youth favourite television programmes act as sources of cultural and moral education. It shows that informal education refers to the learning and acquisition of knowledge, information, values, behaviour and lifestyles associated with young people's interaction with and experience of satellite television. Another aspect of Arab satellite broadcasting that was received positively in the discussions was religious programming, which is a recent phenomenon and one widely perceived as successful both by young and older viewers alike. The role of the media as a venue for informal education for young people is an aspect which has so far largely been neglected in our understanding of education and youth in the Arab region. Entertainment programmes which are heavily criticized as alien corrupting forces are considered by youth to be an essential source of cultural education.
