ABSTRACT
The influx of independent satellite TV stations in the Arab world has undermined the ability of governments to control what people watch and consequently to control what they think. Thus, satellite TV stations are subtly challenging the state’s monopoly over the means of persuasion and information. Not only is government media rendered less relevant by the new satellite channels, but the introduction of more free and independent sources of information may be an additional tool for civil society in its struggle with states over such issues as the freedom of expression, human rights, and democracy.
